Helsinki Distilling Company

History of Helsinki Distilling Company
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, boasts a vibrant cultural scene, but for over a century, it lacked something special: a distillery. That changed in 2014 with the arrival of the Helsinki Distilling Company (HDC).

Founding Fathers and Finnish Flavors

The HDC is the brainchild of two friends, Kai Kilpinen and Mikko Mykkänen, fueled by a shared passion for whiskey. They weren’t alone in their desire. Finland’s history with spirits is long and rich, with rye playing a starring role – a national staple found in rye bread. After prohibition ended in 1932, alcohol production became a state monopoly. This finally loosened its grip in 1995 when Finland joined the European Union, paving the way for craft distilleries like HDC.

A Historic Home with Modern Methods

The distillery itself resides in Teurastamo, a district with a fascinating past. Once a bustling abattoir (slaughterhouse) from the 1930s to the 1990s, it has since transformed into a hub for food and culture. HDC’s building reflects this transformation, having served various purposes: a power plant, soap factory, meatball factory, car wash, and even a wine cellar. Today, this historic site embodies the revival of Finnish spirits.

The Helsinki Distilling Company is more than just a distillery. It’s a symbol of Helsinki’s cultural renaissance, a place where history meets innovation, and where the taste of Finland is captured in every bottle. They are constantly pushing the boundaries, creating limited editions and collaborating with local producers, solidifying their place at the forefront of Finland’s craft spirits scene.

Awards Won by Helsinki Distilling Company

Spirit of the Year Award: Helsinki Dry Gin won this prestigious award at the Destille Berlin craft spirits fair in 2016, a leading event in Europe for craft spirits. 

Most Innovative Distiller in Europe: Mikko Mykkänen, the distiller at Helsinki Distilling Company, received this accolade in 2018, highlighting the distillery’s innovative approaches and excellence​..

International Whiskey Category Winner: Helsinki Whiskey release #14, Rum Cask Finish Rye Malt, won in this category at the Meininger’s International Spirits Award in Germany, emphasizing their success in major export markets like Germany​.

Helsinki Distilling Company Tour Information and Experience

Nestled in the historic and vibrant Teurastamo district, The Helsinki Distilling Company offers an immersive tour experience that showcases the artistry behind their premium spirits.

Open Tours and Tastings:

• Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays at 6 pm
• Cost: €15 per person
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
• Highlights: Learn about the intricate process of distilling whiskey and gin, guided by passionate experts.

Guided Tastings:

• Cost: €30 per person
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
• Experience: Sample four distinct products, including Lingonberry-Gin Liqueur, Helsinki Dry Gin, and Helsinki Whiskey. The tasting also includes a Helsinki Long Drink.

Combined Tour and Tasting:

• Total Cost: €45 per person
• Experience: A comprehensive tour followed by a tasting session to delve deeper into the flavors and craftsmanship of Helsinki Distilling Company’s spirits.

Private Tours and Tastings:

• Availability: Wednesday to Saturday
• Minimum Cost: €200
• Customization: Tailored experiences for groups, offering flexibility in timing and focus areas.

Tislaamo Distillery Bar & Restaurant:

• Dining Experience: Enjoy a delightful combination of house-distilled spirits and European bistro-style dishes in a relaxed, stylish setting.
• Schedule:
  • Wednesday and Thursday: 16:00 – 23:00
  • Friday and Saturday: 16:00 – 02:00 (last orders 21:30 / 22:00)
• Offerings: Smooth cocktails, delectable snacks, and a varied á la carte menu.

The Helsinki Distilling Company promises a unique, educational, and enjoyable journey into the world of craft spirits. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or simply curious about distilling, their tours and tastings offer something special for everyone. 

Flask & Barrel Review of Helsinki Distilling Company

I recently visited the Helsinki Distilling Company, and it was an incredible experience! As a whiskey collector who’s toured many distilleries, I was impressed by their setup and dedication to quality.

The tour was engaging, led by knowledgeable guides who explained the distillation process in a way that was easy to understand. The highlight was the tasting session. I tried their Lingonberry-Gin Liqueur, Helsinki Dry Gin, and Helsinki Whiskey. Each sip was a testament to their craftsmanship.

The distillery itself is located in a historic area, adding to the overall charm. The Tislaamo Distillery Bar & Restaurant was the perfect place to unwind afterward with a delicious cocktail and tasty bites.

Overall, I’d rate my experience a 4.7 out of 5. The only slight downside was the limited availability for private tours, but it’s understandable given their growing popularity. Highly recommend this tour for any spirits enthusiast!

What To Do Nearby Helsinki Distilling Company

Teurastamo Market: Explore an indoor market overflowing with fresh, local produce, artisanal foods, and delicious street food options. Sample everything from reindeer sausages to salmon pastries – 0.2 miles from the distillery.

Teurastamo Kitchen: If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, Teurastamo Kitchen offers a diverse selection of restaurants serving Finnish and international cuisine. Enjoy a gourmet experience or a casual lunch – 0.2 miles from the distillery.

The Helsinki Lab: Unleash your inner scientist at The Helsinki Lab, a one-of-a-kind science center filled with interactive exhibits and experiments. It’s a fun and educational activity for all ages – 0.3 miles from the distillery.

Suomenlinna: For a historical adventure, hop on a ferry to Suomenlinna, a massive sea fortress located on an island just off the coast of Helsinki. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, wander through tunnels, and learn about Helsinki’s rich maritime history – 1.2 miles from the distillery (ferry ride required).

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art: Immerse yourself in the world of modern and contemporary art at Kiasma, a leading museum showcasing Finnish and international artists. Admire thought-provoking installations, sculptures, and paintings – 0.9 miles from the distillery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Helsinki Distilling Company?

Satama Bar & Bistro Kalasatama: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Verkkosaarenkatu 5, 00580 Helsinki, Finland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +358 44 2379199.

Piccola La Bella Trattoria: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Kalasatamankatu 9, 00580 Helsinki, Finland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +358 9 27982777.

Ravintola Masala Hut Kalasatama: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Redi, Hermannin rantatie 5, 00580 Helsinki, Finland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +358 45 2149594.

What hotels are near Helsinki Distilling Company?

Citybox Helsinki: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Pääskylänrinne 3, 00500 Helsinki, Finland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +358 9 77377555.

The Folks Hotel Konepaja: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Fredriksberginkatu 1, 00520 Helsinki, Finland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +358 40 6477477.

Radisson RED Helsinki: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Vuorikatu 12, 00100 Helsinki, Finland. For reservations, you can reach out to them at +358 20 1234730.