Top new products: March
Koya Brandy
Brandy label Koya, made by China’s oldest and largest leading wine and spirits producer Changyu, launched in the UK last month. The brandy is produced at Chateau Koya in Yantai in northeastern China, and the portfolio comprises two expressions: Koya Brandy VSOP 6 years and Koya Brandy XO 10 years. The producer distills Ugni Blanc grapes in traditional French Charentais pot stills made by Chalvignac Prulho. The quality and style of the Koya house blend is overseen by master distiller Zhang Baochun, who is respected in China for her brandy expertise, and has over 30 years’ experience working in the industry.
The Drinks Business
12 February 2021 By Lucy Shaw
High-end Chinese brandy Koya, produced by China’s oldest wine and spirits maker, Changyu, is launching in the UK this month through drinks distributor Bibendum.
Koya brand ambassador Frank Kämmer MS cradles the XO expression
Sales and marketing of the VSOP and XO expressions will be overseen by Changyu’s chief winemaker, Lenz Moser, and Koya brand ambassador Frank Kämmer MS.
Koya was founded in Yantai, Shandong province, in 1892, making it China’s oldest brandy producer.
In 1915 Changyu was awarded a gold medal at the Panama-Pacific World Expo in San Francisco for its eau-de-vie, and soon after enjoyed international recognition for its brandy. The spirit has been served at numerous state banquets, and is a popular gift in diplomatic circles.