Finnish whisky

Finnish Whisky

Finnish whisky refers to whisky produced in Finland. Despite being a relatively new player in the whisky industry, Finland has gained recognition for its unique and high-quality whisky production.

History

The history of Finnish whisky dates back to the early 2000s when a few pioneering distilleries started experimenting with whisky production. One of the first distilleries to produce Finnish whisky was the Teerenpeli Distillery, which released its first whisky in 2002. Since then, several other distilleries have emerged, each contributing to the growth and development of the Finnish whisky scene.

Production Process

The production process of Finnish whisky follows the traditional methods used in Scotch whisky production. Finnish distilleries use locally sourced barley, which is malted and mashed to extract the sugars needed for fermentation. The fermentation process involves the addition of yeast to convert the sugars into alcohol. The resulting liquid, known as the wash, is then distilled in copper stills to separate the alcohol from impurities.

After distillation, the whisky is aged in oak casks, often sourced from bourbon or sherry producers. The aging process allows the whisky to develop its unique flavors and characteristics. Finnish distilleries typically age their whisky for a minimum of three years, although some expressions are aged for longer periods.

Notable Finnish Whisky Distilleries

Teerenpeli Distillery

The Teerenpeli Distillery, located in Lahti, Finland, is one of the oldest and most renowned Finnish whisky distilleries. It was founded in 2002 and has since gained a reputation for producing high-quality whisky. Teerenpeli offers a range of expressions, including single malt and rye whisky.

Kyrö Distillery

The Kyrö Distillery, situated in Isokyrö, Finland, is known for its unique approach to whisky production. In addition to using traditional barley, Kyrö also incorporates rye into its whisky recipes, resulting in a distinct flavor profile. The distillery's flagship product, Kyrö Single Malt Rye, has received international acclaim.

Recognition and Awards

Finnish whisky has gained recognition on the global stage, with several distilleries receiving awards for their exceptional products. The Kyrö Distillery, for example, has been awarded numerous medals at international whisky competitions, including the World Whiskies Awards and the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

See Also

• Whisky
• Scotch Whisky
• Bourbon Whiskey