Announcing Shanghai’s first ever Whisky distillery and local whisky brand to new drinkers! Shanghai’s drinking scene has been evolving over the last five years, and we’re excited to be able to promote Shanghai’s first locally crafted and distilled whiskey brand. 

The one, the only: Hai Seas Distillery. 

Why whiskey? 

Whiskey’s become the official Spirit of Shanghai. It’s been the most popular spirt in China for the past thirty years, yet the culture around whiskey isn’t as well developed here as it is abroad. Whiskey drinkers tend to drink at home or in private bars where people are already “in-the-know”. It’s a very sophisticated spirit with a long history of how people relate to it around the world, but the new crowd of drinkers in Shanghai might not have been able to develop this palette or knowledge set to comfortably appreciate it. 

That is why we are promoting creating a whiskey event that focuses Hai Seas Distillery and open to a younger, less experienced crowd of drink enthusiasts. The tasting event will be focused on introducing not only the brand but the experience of tasting whiskey. Guiding our drinkers through what makes whiskey special, what to look for when you drink it and how to comfortably experience whiskey in a comfortable yet informative atmosphere. And of course, our end goal is to connect new people with each other through drinks and conversation!

Special : Craft Cocktail (mystery) 

To encourage interest and signups, we’d like to be able promote a “mystery” cocktail blended specially for Hai Sea’s Whiskey. This has been one of the major reasons for interest in cocktails amongst younger drinkers who are still exploring taste through mixing. Having “craft cocktails” is a popular trend amongst local bars working with craft gin spirits currently as well. It’ll be a good way to introduce whiskey cocktail options to new drinkers while giving them a unique experience during our own tasting. 

A few opening questions: 

During the event, we’d love to open up on the brand story and dive into your own personal relationship with whiskey and how you developed your personal taste for whiskey. 

How did you begin brewing your own whiskey? 

What do you look for when you taste whiskey? Your favorite flavors or feelings when you drink a dram? 

Why did you decide to launch your own brand in Shanghai? 

How does Shanghai effect the flavor of your whiskey? 

Guide to: How to Appreciate Whiskey? 

While whiskey might be Shanghai’s favorite spirit, most people don’t know how to properly appreciate it. In fact, the secret to whiskey culture is very well kept by bartenders and aficionados, who don’t seem to be very good at explaining what makes whiskey special. It’s an intimidating drink with a very high shelf price (depending on your brand) and doesn’t attract casual drinkers like gin does. 

That’s why we’d like to take this tasting as an opportunity to also introduce whiskey in a smooth and casual setting. To encourage curious drinkers and beginners to learn what makes whiskey special, and ways to appreciate its unique flavor. 

We’d like to cover the way to appreciate whiskey through its: 

Look 

Smell 

Feel 

Taste