Baijiu distillery Sanyou opens up in Tasmania

A business founded by three Tasmanian mates has become the first company to produce one of the world’s best-selling liquors outside of its country of origin. FIND OUT WHAT THEY’RE UP TO>>

A business founded by three Tasmanian mates has become the first company to produce one of the world’s best-selling liquors outside of its country of origin.

Ian Sypkes, Tim Ye and Chris de Bono, the founders of Sanyou, have launched the first traditionally made and aged baijiu distillery outside of China.

Baijiu means ‘white spirit’ and is a clear liquid with a high alcohol content. Hugely popular in China, baijiu is largely unknown to the rest of the world.

The Chinese enjoy the liquor on special occasions or to show hospitality, and to cement friendships or toast business relationships.

“We see our baijiu as a connection between Australia and China,” Mr Sypkes said.

“Through our Tasmanian made baijiu we would like to create the opportunity for Australians to honour the Chinese culture by giving Sanyou as a gift when travelling to China, as well as enjoying it here at home.”

Mr Ye is an expert on Chinese culture and tradition having spent over half his life living in China.

“The ritual of baijiu – how it is bought, given, shared and consumed – is important. The idea of bonds and camaraderie is key,” Mr Ye said.

Sanyou, which translates to ‘three friends’, is made in Tasmania with all Australian ingredients, the principal grain being red sorghum, together with wheat and pure Tasmanian water.

“There are more variations of baijiu than there are of even whiskey and scotch,” Mr de Bono said.

“Baijiu has distinct aromas depending upon the grains and water of the region where it is born and the clay pot it is aged in. Our distillation method is traditional Chinese.”