
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)

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## 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)

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## 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)

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## 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)

My name is Andreas Schwarz, I am 34 years old, married and live on the southernmost edge of Germany. 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, I am 34 years old, married and live on the southernmost edge of Germany. 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

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## 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.

Andreas Schwarz

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Articles by this author (2)

5 Exotic Distilleries That Worth Checking Out

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