
Good whiskey doesn’t always have to come from Scotland. Distilleries from Taiwan, Australia, and India are no longer insider tips—they have become well-known names in the industry. In this article, I’d like to introduce you to five distilleries from countries you might not immediately associate with whiskey. 

How many of them do you know?

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## Ondjaba – Namibia

Ondjaba, from Erongo Mountain Winery, is a whiskey known even beyond its home country, Namibia, in southwestern Africa. What makes it unique is the use of elephant dung as a sustainable peat substitute and the incorporation of various Namibian grains, such as pearl millet. 

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The hot and dry conditions of Namibia contribute to rapid aging and an intensified flavor.</div>

A bottle of this distillery's offering is the [Ondjaba The Namibian Whiskey](https://spiritory.com/sku/ondjaba-the-namibian-whiskey)

<div id="Goalong"></div>

## Goalong – China

The Liuyang Gaolong Liquor Distillery is located at the foot of Dawei Mountain in China’s Hunan Province. The water used for whiskey production comes from the Liuyang River spring, known for its exceptional softness and purity. 

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As one of the few distilleries in the world, it uses thermal oil to heat the pot stills, giving the whiskey a toasted aroma.</div>

A bottle of this distillery's offering is the [Goalong Liquor 5 Years Old](https://spiritory.com/sku/goalong-liquor-5-years-old)

<div id="Abasolo"></div>

## Abasolo – Mexico

Destilería y Bodega Abasolo is Mexico’s first distillery dedicated solely to whiskey production. It is located in the heart of Jilotepec, at an altitude of over 2,300 meters, making it one of the highest distilleries in the world. 

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Their Abasolo El Whisky De México is made from 100% Mexican Cacahuazintle corn, processed using a unique cooking technique.</div>

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## Kemlya – Russia

The distillery in the village of Kemlya was founded in 1828, making it one of Russia’s oldest distilleries. In addition to various high-proof and organic spirits, the company released five varieties of "Russian Single Malt" in 2022. 

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These feature intriguing cask finishes, aged in barrels made from Russian southern oak, bog oak, or Slavonian rock oak.</div>

A bottle of this distillery's offering is the [Kemlya 5 Years Old Sherry Wood](https://spiritory.com/sku/kemlya-5-years-old-sherry-wood)

<div id="Mchenry"></div>

## McHenry – Tasmania

McHenry Distillery is the southernmost distillery in Australia, located on the rugged Tasman Peninsula at the edge of Mount Arthur. Since its founding in 2011, this family-run business has been producing whiskey and other spirits in a 500-liter still, using locally sourced ingredients.

A bottle of this distillery's offering is the [McHenry 10 Years Old Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky](https://spiritory.com/sku/mc-henry-10-years-old-tasmanian-single-malt-whisky)

### Conclusion 

For me, one of the most beautiful and important aspects of whiskey is its diversity and the joy of discovering something new. That’s why I’m always curious when it comes to unfamiliar whiskeys. Whiskey fairs are always a great place to try distilleries outside the mainstream.

Find out which whiskey fairs are happening in Germany this year in our [overview](https://spiritory.com/blog/whiskymessen-2025-in-deutschland-ratgeber-und-eventuebersicht-1-en)!

- [Ondjaba – Namibia](ondjaba)
- [Goalong – China](Goalong)
- [Abasolo – Mexico](Abasolo)
- [Kemlya – Russia](Kemlya)
- [McHenry – Tasmania](Mchenry)

Since a trip to Ireland in 2017 and a visit to Tullamore DEW, I have been fascinated by the water of life and (like many others) have gradually gotten into the subject. Since I like to share my fascination with whisky and whiskey with others, I created the Instagram channel schwarz_mit_whisky at the end of 2023, where I still regularly share my pictures and experiences today.
The best thing about whisky for me is the variety; I'm always on the lookout for new bottlings, crazy finishes and nice people who share my passion.

Andreas Schwarz

My name is Andreas Schwarz, since a trip to Ireland in 2017 and a visit to Tullamore DEW, I have been fascinated by the water of life and (like many others) have gradually gotten into the subject.

Whiskey isn't just from Scotland! Discover five exotic distilleries from around the world, each with unique ingredients, techniques, and bold flavors.

McHenry destilery Tasmania.jpeg

5 Exotic Distilleries That Worth Checking Out

<div id="Highlights"></div>

## Germanys biggest Whisky fair, “The Village” in Nuremberg, opened its doors again last weekend

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210 exhibitors from 17 countries presented over 3,000 whiskys, whiskeys and rum's.</div>

Thousands of whisky enthusiasts from all over Europe visited the trade fair over the three days, including a pre-opening on Friday and two days of the trade fair on Saturday and Sunday.

Among the exhibitors were industry giants such as Kirsch Import, which represents strong brands in Germany such as **Signatory Vintage**, **Nikka** and **Glenallachie**, but also interesting newcomers such as **Sprithöker** from Hamburg, who were able to impress with brands such as **Brenne** from France and the Irish **Pearse Lyons**. Numerous independent distilleries and bottlers were also among the exhibitors and were happy to invite you to chat and try things out.

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In addition to spirits, there was also a diverse program with master classes, tastings and live music. At a small marketplace you could buy accessories such as barrel lids, handmade leather products and hand-blown whisky glasses.</div>

The physical well-being was also taken care of, in the form of bowls, burgers and of course traditional Scottish haggis.

The visual highlight of the trade fair was undoubtedly the **Scapa** and **Tullamore DEW** stands. While the Scottish **Orkney** distillery Scapa had a beautiful sailing boat at their stand, the Irish from Tullamore DEW built an entire pub including a ball game.

![Tullamore D.E.W at The Village](https://spiritory2storage.blob.core.windows.net/strapi-uploads/assets/Tullamore_D_E_W_at_The_Village_727701347f.jpg)

## Conclusion

“The Village” 2025 was again an absolute must for whisky lovers. The trade fair was well organized and left little to be desired. The atmosphere was very good and hardly any visitor left the trade fair without one or two new “whiskyfriends”.

Discover the highlights of The Village 2025, Germany’s biggest whisky fair in Nuremberg. With 210 exhibitors from 17 countries and over 3,000 spirits, the event was a paradise for whisky lovers.

The Village 2025.jpg

The Village 2025: Highlights from Germany’s Biggest Whisky Fair

## 1 weekend - 2 trade fairs

Last weekend, two spirits fairs took place simultaneously in southern Germany, the **0711-Spirtits in Stuttgart** and the **Finest-Spirits in Munich**. We have visited both of them!

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## The 0711-Spirits took place at the ‘Wizemann’ event location in Stuttgart.

Over **80 exhibitors** presented a wide range of spirits such as whisky, rum and gin, as well as wine, beer and non-alcoholic alternatives.

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The exhibitors were predominantly German companies and distilleries, such as ‘Germany's Best Whisky Distillery 2024’ - Brigantia from Lake Constance or SNOWO Distillers from the north of Baden-Württemberg with their strikingly beautiful gin bottles.</div>

One of the undoubtedly best-known brands at the trade fair was **Diageo Germany**, with brands such as **Lagavulin**, **Johnnie Walker** and **Benrinnes**.

In addition to spirits, various beers from southern Germany were also on offer, coffee from a modified bicycle and, of course, typical Swabian specialities such as cheese spaetzle and Maultaschen.

The fair was moderately busy on the day of our visit (Friday). The atmosphere during the event was good and despite the crowds of visitors it was still possible to have a good chat with exhibitors and other spirits enthusiasts.

### Conclusion:

The event is certainly worth a visit for anyone from the Stuttgart region who is interested in exploring regional spirits.

<div id="second"></div>

## Finest Spirits took place in the Zenith event and concert hall in Munich.

Over 100 international exhibitors presented premium spirits such as whisky and rum, as well as cocktails and non-alcoholic alternatives on an area of 5000 square metres.


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Among the exhibitors were international giants such as Suntory Global Spirits (formerly Beam Suntory), who, in addition to their well-known whiskies, also had their Roku gin and some cocktails on offer. German distilleries such as St.Kilian Distillers and Finch Distillery were also very popular with visitors. </div>

The **exclusive masterclasses**, which took place in two rooms in the area of the actual stage, were also very interesting on this day. These short seminars covered general topics such as ‘exotic spirits’, but also provided in-depth insights into individual distilleries, such as the **Aberfeldy Masterclass** with Brand Ambassador **Pierre Kruff**.

![Finest spirits 2025](https://spiritory2storage.blob.core.windows.net/strapi-uploads/assets/Finest_spirits_2025_3eb6b419db.jpg)

The trade fair was sold out on the day of the visit (Saturday) and accordingly very busy, especially in the centre aisles, where it was sometimes almost impossible to get through.

The **good organisation** of the trade fair deserves a positive mention.

Despite the large number of visitors at the time of our arrival, there were no long queues at the entrance, you could exchange your glass for a fresh one at any time and there were fridges with free water in several places in the hall.

### Conclusion:

Finest Spirits 2025 was definitely another highlight and should already be marked in red in the diary of all spirits lovers from southern Germany for 2026.



- [0711 Stuttgart](#first)
- [Finest Spirits Munich](#second)

Last weekend, two major spirits fairs took place in southern Germany: 0711 Spirits in Stuttgart and Finest Spirits in Munich. Both events showcased a wide range of premium spirits, masterclasses, and regional specialties.

Spiritory at Finest Spirits.jpg

Final Thoughts on German Whisky Fairs in February: Highlights from 0711 & Finest Spirits!

## Nc'Nean and the Whisky of the Future: An Interview with Its Founder

During an open Nc'Nean tasting at 39 Spirits & Cigars in Eichstätt, Bavaria, I had the opportunity to have a short interview with Annabel Thomas, founder of the Nc'Nean distillery.

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### The Origins and Philosophy of Nc'Nean

**Spiritory:**

Hey Annabel, thanks for taking the time to talk with us. Can you tell us a little bit about yourelf and **Nc'nean**?

**Annabel Thomas:**

Yes i can!, my name is Annabel, i founded Nc'Nean 12 years ago. I wanted to create a whisky distillery that was both **innovative and focused on sustainability**. There's a lot of amazing tradition in Scotch, but there wasn't really anyone thinking either about how to push the flavour of Scotch forward, or thinking about how to make it more sustainable.

**Spiritory**: 

What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome in creating organic spirits?

**Annabel Thomas**:

There are many hurdles on our sustainability journey! From an organic point of view, actually there is a lot of organic barley grown in Scotland so that was pleasingly easy. The main problem honestly is the **cost**, it is very expensive to buy organic barley. It's about of the total price you pay on the shelf it's maybe 3-4 pounds extra just to buy organic barley.

But it is also more of an administrative headache because you have to be certified, you have to comply with a lot of regulations and you have to do a lot of paperwork. But really the main hurdle is the cost.

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 ### Challenges and Experimentation in Whisky Production

**Spiritory**:

There is no **no peated Nc'Nean at the moment**. I guess that is because peat it not really sustainable. There are some distilleries experimenting with alternatives, for example the **Ondjaba Whisky from Namibia**, which uses elephant dung as a sustainable peat alternative. As far as i know there are no elephants in Scotland, but have you ever thought about an alternative to peat?

**Anabel Thomas**:

Laughs- Yes!, a lot! But we haven't done it yet. There are two hurdles. The first is, that i don't think that the SWA would actually allow it, but that aside i would still be happy to try it, even if we can't can make it into whisky.

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But the other problem is more of a practical one. We don't malt on site. So we would need to work with our maltsters to burn whatever it is. I would really like to do that, i wouldn't obviously use elefant dung or probably any other dung, but what i'd really like to burn are things that grow around the distillery.</div> 

That would be really interesting to me. But we haven't done it yet. Thats something for the future!

But, you will never find a peated Nc'Nean, that is for sure.

**Spiritory:**

There is also a Botanical Spirits by Nc'Nean, which is a gin but not really a gin? Can you tell us a little about that?

**Annabel Thomas:**

Yes thats correct! It was actually our first ever product, the **Botanical Spirit**. It is made, starting with our new make - our unaged whisky and the we re-distill it in a gin still with some of the Gin botanicals that we use like juiper and coriander wich are classical gin botanicals. 

We also add some local plants, something called bog myrtle or myrica gale, which is a very, very nice little bush that grows just around the distillery. 

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It is really lemony and grassy and we add a lot of that as well. So it produces what we say is like gin and whisky having a baby.</div> 

<div id="Future"></div> 

### The Future of Nc'Nean and Upcoming Releases

**Spiritory:**

What do you think the future holds for Nc'Nean and what plans do you have?

**Annabel Thomas:**

Definitely new bottlings probably no new spirits. We are focused on Whisky. We will have a lot of thinking to do about the botanical, if we will continue as it is or we will make it into a gin but as yet we havent decided. But really, our focus is on whisky anyway, the gin is fun, it makes a great Negroni but its not the focus. 

Whisky is the focus and yes we will continue to do what we have always done which is hopefully create delicious whisky most importantly but also create very interesting whiskys like the Huntress series which is the one that comes out every spring and is all about the really weird and wonderful experiments that we do. Actually today huntress 2025 was being put into the big blending tank. 

This will be one of our oldest releases, it is all from the **2017** stock and is was our very first yeast trial. I am quite exited for that to come out.

![39 Spirits & Cigars - Annabel Thomas - Andreas Schwarz](https://spiritory2storage.blob.core.windows.net/strapi-uploads/assets/39_Spirits_and_Cigars_Annabel_Thomas_Andreas_Schwarz_511053d966.png)

**Spiritory**:

Today we tried an exclusive single cask bottling for **39 Spirits & Cigars**, called **Aon**. Are there any other Aon releases you can talk about?

**Annabel Thomas:**

Yes we actually do quite a lot. We do about 20 a year. So i think in Germany last year there were four including the one for 39 Spirits & Cigars. There were three others and i think we will do another four for Germany this year but we also do a lot in the UK and lots of other markets as well. 

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There is a really good one coming to Germany soon, a white port finish! It's really interesting.</div> 

**Spiritory:**

I can't wait to try it! Thank you very much for the interview, it was a pleasure talking to you!

If there's anything else you'd like to say to the whisky community, the last word is yours.

**Annabel Thomas:**

Be adventurous!


Many thanks to 39 Spirits & Cigars for the great event and the permission for the interview. Many thanks to Annabel Thomas for her kindness and for taking the time for the interview.


- [The Origins and Philosophy of Nc'Nean](#Philosophy)
- [ Challenges and Experimentation in Whisky Production](#Challenges)
- [The Future of Nc'Nean and Upcoming Releases](#Future)

In this exclusive interview, Annabel Thomas, founder of Nc'Nean Distillery, talks about innovation in Scotch whisky, sustainability, and the brand’s future. Discover the challenges, experiments, and new releases Nc'Nean has to offer.

Nc'Nean blog- interview.jpg

Exclusive Interview: Annabel Thomas on Nc'Nean’s Sustainable Whisky Revolution

<p>Since a trip to Ireland in 2017 and a visit to Tullamore DEW, I have been fascinated by the water of life and (like many others) have gradually gotten into the subject. Since I like to share my fascination with whisky and whiskey with others, I created the Instagram channel schwarz_mit_whisky at the end of 2023, where I still regularly share my pictures and experiences today.
The best thing about whisky for me is the variety; I'm always on the lookout for new bottlings, crazy finishes and nice people who share my passion.</p>


Andreas Schwarz

Born:

Favorite Whisky:

Nationality:

Whisky Enthusiastic Since:

Articles by this author (4)

5 Exotic Distilleries That Worth Checking Out

The Village 2025: Highlights from Germany’s Biggest Whisky Fair

Final Thoughts on German Whisky Fairs in February: Highlights from 0711 & Finest Spirits!

Exclusive Interview: Annabel Thomas on Nc'Nean’s Sustainable Whisky Revolution