Teerenpeli Distillery
History of Teerenpeli
Teerenpeli Distillery, a renowned name in Finnish whisky making, has an interesting and dynamic history.
Founding and Early Years
The journey of Teerenpeli began in 1994 with the opening of a beer restaurant in Lahti, a city north of Helsinki. This establishment was a dining place and marked the start of Teerenpeli’s brewing operations.
The following year, 1995, saw the inauguration of a small-scale brewery nearby. Initially, this brewery had a modest capacity, with just a 60-litre brewing kettle, which was later expanded to 250 litres in 1997.
Teerenpeli’s first beer, Puolukka Lysti, a dark lager flavoured with lingonberries, was a unique offering that set the tone for the company’s innovative brewing approaches.
Expansion into Whisky Distilling
The significant turning point came in 2002 when Teerenpeli diversified into whisky distillation. This move was marked by establishing a distillery within the cellar of their restaurant, Taivaanranta, in Lahti. This distillery started with the production of malt whisky, laying the foundation for Teerenpeli’s entry into the world of spirits.
Growth and Modern Developments
In 2015, Teerenpeli made a substantial leap by opening a larger distillery on the outskirts of Lahti. This new facility significantly increased their production capacity and marked a new era in their whisky making. The distillery prides itself on using traditional pot stills, handmade in Scotland, and on the maturation of their spirits in oak casks, with a focus on ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks.
Present Operations and Recognition
Today, Teerenpeli operates two distilleries in Lahti and continues to maintain a synergy with its brewing operations. The distillery is known for its range of whiskies, which have received multiple awards, including recognition as the Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the year in 2020 by the IWSC. This accolade not only signifies the quality of their products but also places Teerenpeli on the global map of premium whisky producers.
Founders and Key Personnel
The vision and entrepreneurship of Anssi Pyysing were instrumental in the establishment and success of Teerenpeli Distillery. Pyysing’s dream of creating a Finnish Single Malt Distillery was realized through his dedication and investment.
He opened the first Teerenpeli restaurant in 1994, which still operates at the same location. The distillery’s team, led by experienced individuals such as Jaakko Joki, Head of Distilling, and Markus Honkanen, Chief Operations Manager, among others, contribute significantly to its ongoing success.
Teerenpeli Distillery’s journey from a small brewery to a leader in Finnish whisky production is a testament to innovation, quality, and dedication to craftsmanship. The distillery’s use of local ingredients, traditional methods, and continuous development in whisky making have earned it a distinguished place in the whisky world.
Awards Won by Teerenpeli
Worldwide Whiskey Producer of the Year, 2020: Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery was honored with this prestigious award by the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2020, marking a significant recognition of their nearly two decades of work in whisky making.
Medals in International Wine & Spirit Competition 2022: The distillery’s whiskies were awarded silver and bronze medals in the 2022 IWSC. This followed their success in the same competition in 2020, underlining the consistent quality of their products.
Awards at World Whiskies Awards: Teerenpeli Distillery’s whiskies, SAVU and KASKI, received silver medals, and their Aged 10 Years whisky was awarded a gold medal as a category winner. These achievements are a testament to the distillery’s dedication and expertise in whisky making.
Success in Japanese Competitions: Teerenpeli’s Kulo whisky won gold at the TWSC awards in Japan, highlighting the distillery’s growing recognition in Asian markets. This award is among several first-place finishes the distillery has achieved in international competitions, contributing to their reputation as a world-class whisky maker.
Teerenpeli Tour Information and Experience
Guided Tours and Tastings at Teerenpeli
Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery offers an immersive experience where visitors can explore the history and processes behind their acclaimed products. The guided tours provide an in-depth look at the company’s background and a comprehensive walkthrough of the brewery and distillery. These tours are a perfect opportunity to understand how Teerenpeli crafts its award-winning beverages.
Location and Accessibility
Conveniently located just an hour from Helsinki, Teerenpeli Distillery is easily accessible for those in the region. This proximity makes it an ideal destination for both local and international visitors looking to explore Finnish craftsmanship in brewing and distilling.
‘Walk-In’ Brewery & Distillery Tours
Available on Saturdays, the ‘walk-in’ tours start at 3 PM and offer a unique, spontaneous opportunity to explore the facility. The tour encompasses a presentation about Teerenpeli, an exploration of the Brewery & Distillery, and a tasting session featuring three whisky samples and a new spirit. The whole experience spans around 1.5 hours, offering a comprehensive yet concise view of the distillery’s operations.
The Brewery Shop
After the tour, visitors have the chance to browse the Brewery Shop, which stocks a variety of Teerenpeli’s products. Here, you can purchase beers, ciders, long drinks, and an assortment of souvenirs, books, and branded merchandise. The shop is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing for a leisurely shopping experience post-tour.
Visitor Center Amenities
The Visitor Center at Teerenpeli is not just for tours and tastings. It is also equipped to host meetings, with all necessary services provided. With a capacity to accommodate around 40 customers, the Visitor Center offers a relaxed and engaging environment for both corporate and casual gatherings.
Booking Information
For those interested in the tours, advance booking via email is recommended, especially to secure spots for larger groups. Guided tasting tours can also be booked through Teerenpeli’s webshop, ensuring a tailored experience for visitors.
Visiting Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery is more than just a tour; it’s an opportunity to delve into the world of Finnish distilling and brewing, experiencing the passion and expertise that goes into every bottle.
Flask & Barrel Review of Teerenpeli
As a seasoned whisky collector who’s toured numerous distilleries, I found my visit to Teerenpeli Distillery both enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable. Nestled in the heart of Lahti, Finland, this distillery showcases a commendable blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.
Upon arrival, I was struck by the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The distillery, though modern, exudes a certain rustic charm that immediately endears it to any whisky enthusiast. The tour began with a detailed history of Teerenpeli, and I was fascinated to learn about its humble beginnings as a small brewery in 1995. The transition into whisky distilling in 2002, marked by the acquisition of traditional Scottish pot stills, was a testament to their dedication to quality.
The tasting session was, undoubtedly, the highlight of the visit. Teerenpeli’s range of whiskies, each with its unique character, was impressive. The Kulo, aged in sherry casks, had a delightful complexity, while the gently peated Savu offered a subtle smokiness that I found particularly appealing. As a collector, I was pleased to see the variety and quality on offer.
However, what sets Teerenpeli apart is not just its excellent whisky but also its commitment to sustainability. Learning about their use of local Finnish barley and the world’s purest groundwater added a new layer of appreciation for their products.
If I were to offer any critique, it would be a wish for more interactive elements during the tour. I would have enjoyed a more hands-on experience as someone deeply interested in the distilling process.
What To Do Nearby Teerenpeli
Sibelius Hall: Located about 1.3 miles from Teerenpeli, Sibelius Hall is a stunning wooden structure known for its excellent acoustics. It’s a cultural hub, named after the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, and often hosts various musicians and the Lahti Symphony Orchestra. The hall beautifully combines brick, glass, and wood in its architecture.
Lanu Sculpture Park: Just around 1 mile from the distillery, the Lanu Sculpture Park, also known as Kariniemi Park, is a serene spot. It features 12 sculptures by the renowned Finnish sculptor Olavi Lanu, known for his work mimicking natural forms in concrete. The park provides a reflective space where nature merges with art.
Kahiwa Coffee Roastery: Approximately 1.5 miles from Teerenpeli, Kahiwa Coffee Roastery offers a unique experience for coffee enthusiasts. Here, you can enjoy a range of single-origin coffees and learn about their journey from bean to cup. The founder, Joonas, sources coffee directly from family-run farms, ensuring quality and fairness in the supply chain.
Wood Architecture Park: Scattered around the city near Sibelius Hall, the Wood Architecture Park pays homage to Lahti’s history in woodworking and lumber. Various wooden installations are commissioned and displayed in public areas, offering a glimpse into the city’s artistic and industrial roots.
Taivaanranta Restaurant: Located in the same building as Teerenpeli, Taivaanranta is a must-visit for a fine dining experience. The restaurant serves exquisite dishes like risotto with duck and rhubarb jam, and it’s a great place to enjoy the craft beers and spirits produced by Teerenpeli.
Pihaama Estate: A bit further out but worth the trip, Pihaama Estate offers a delightful experience with its fresh strawberries and homemade berry wines and ciders. The estate is known for its delicious cloudberry wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Teerenpeli?
Lounaskahvila Terassi: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +358 40 8471899. Their address is Vanhanradankatu 2, 15520 Lahti, Finland.
Ravintola Saksalan Pizzeria: This restaurant has a rating of 4.3 stars. You can contact them at +358 50 4077840 for reservations. They are located at Saarnikatu 3, 15520 Lahti, Finland.
Siipiravintola Lahti: With a rating of 4.3 stars, this chicken wings restaurant can be reached at +358 40 0156706. Their address is Rautatienkatu 15-17, 15110 Lahti, Finland.
What hotels are near Teerenpeli?
Solo Sokos Hotel Lahden Seurahuone: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +358 20 1234655. Their address is Aleksanterinkatu 14, 15110 Lahti, Finland.
Guesthouse Little Tundra: This guesthouse has a rating of 4.4 stars. You can contact them at +358 40 0822115 for reservations. They are located at Moisionkatu 4, 15100 Lahti, Finland.
Capitano: This hotel has a rating of 4.0 stars. Their address is Kapteeninaukio 3, 15140 Lahti, Finland.