Everyone has their own story of how they got involved in the Nine Rivers Distillery project, so now it’s my turn to tell my story of how I travelled from France to Futian and became involved in the Nine Rivers Distillery Project.
Le Mans, France
I’m originally from Le Mans, a city in northwestern France, known all over the world as the host location of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (24 Heures du Mans in French). Racing fans will know that it’s actually the weekend of the Le Mans race tomorrow and Sunday (11th and 12th June).
Le Mans is also home to some of the most interesting history in Europe. It has an amazing historical cathedral (Cathédrale St-Julien du Mans) which dates back to the 6th century.
The ruins of a 3rd century Roman amphitheatre are still available to see. Other interesting places include the Musée de Tessé (a fine arts museum), Arboretum de la Grand Prée (a botanical garden), a medieval church, a neogothic church, and an ancient Roman wall. After the first four, that last one doesn’t sound all that impressive, but it’s still worth a look.
Shenzhen – 2014
I graduated in 2014, with a masters degree in product design specializing in luxury brands. I had already decided that China was my destination because I could see what a market leader China was becoming. The European markets were stagnate; staying there meant a boring future. I succumbed to my wanderlust and bought a one-way ticket to the city whose profile excited me the most and offered me the best opportunities to flex my creativity.
That was Shenzhen. All throughout the 2000’s, Shenzhen’s name appeared in everything new, exciting, and cutting edge in technology. Western media seemed to mention it at every publication. We’ve all heard of a “New York Minute,” but Shenzhen puts it to shame; a new product that would take months or years in other cities could be done in weeks here. I say that with total pride as a “shenzhen ren” (a Shenzhener, if you will).
My First Encounter with Whisky
My initial interest in whisky was actually created through the Shenzhen Whisky Networking Events. I was originally invited to one by my friend Lee Beaudoin (a whisky lover from Canada who’s also involved in Nine Rivers Distillery… hi Lee!). I guess it’s only appropriate that Shenzhen cultivated my affection for whisky, the drink officially responsible for my divorce with my previous love, rum. I’ll come back to that later.
It was through the Shenzhen events that I got to know most of the original founders of the project. Over the years they have all become good friends – even the farfelu d’anglais – the crazy English man we all know as Jay.
My Involvement In Nine Rivers Distillery
Everyone brings something to the table in the Nine Rivers Distillery project, and as a patriotic Frenchman, I wanted to bring fine food and rich cheeses. But I’m a useless cook, and I don’t like sharing my cheese. So I contribute design and branding to the project.
I work alongside Darryl and we have been responsible for pretty much everything you see – online and offline – and also a few products. The bespoke glass and packaging for The Founders’ Casks was something we both really got into. Additionally, we designed the packaging for both last year’s Whisky Advent Calendars and the whisky stones.
This year we’ve been busy with distillery layouts and on some future product launches, including a couple of different ranges of whisky glasses (keep watching out for those because they are going to be something really special!)
The Future
Apart from the expected branding and packaging on future bottlings and products on the development docket, something that I’m really looking forward to is the integration between design and technology to create the truly immersive visitors experience at Nine Rivers Distillery. I really want to talk about it, but I’m sworn to complete secrecy until the time is right.
What I’m allowed to say is as follows: The whisky world will be decades behind what we have planned – it will blow people’s minds! But, if you keep reading our updates, you’ll be guaranteed to not miss it!
Fabien Dupont
Would You Like To Read More?
If you enjoyed reading this, and you would like to catch up with some of our past articles, then please CLICK HERE and go to our News Section, where most of our other content is published.
Follow Us
If you have enjoyed reading this and want to learn more about Nine Rivers Distillery, then use the QR Code below to follow our WeChat Official Account.
Alternatively, if you prefer Linked In then you can CLICK HERE to follow us.
Facebook users, you can CLICK HERE.
