An Introduction to Swedish Whisky

Although Swedish Whisky is a relative newcomer to the World of Whisky, Sweden actually has a history of distilling stretching back to the 15th century. The traditional spirit produced in Sweden is known as Brannvin, literally “Burn Wine” and is distilled from potatoes or grain. The highest grade of Brannvin is vodka, including the massive brands such as Absolut vodka, whilst Brannvin flavoured with spices and / or herbs becomes an Akvavit. Sweden has also had a long history of moonshine production and is considered to be part of the “vodka-belt”.

Scotch Whisky has always been a popular drink in Scandinavia but has always been pretty difficult to obtain and quite expensive. However, when Sweden joined the EU in 1995, imported wines and spirits became easier to find in Sweden even if one had to buy alcohol through the government owned Systembolaget retail monopoly. Before this, a visitor with a couple of bottles of Scotch Whisky would be greeted with open arms! It was not really until the 1990s though that the modern wave of Swedish Whisky production began. It is a country that is very passionate about their spirits and there are over 1000 whisky clubs in Sweden, so it is not surprising that domestic production has started to take off.

Mackmyra Distillery (founded in 1999) is the largest Swedish Distillery. It is also arguably the most famous and most well-distributed Swedish Whisky. Mackmyra were not the first Swedish Distillery, that honour goes to the now defunct Ahus distillery which produced Skeppets Blended Whisky between 1955 and 1966 (whose old stills ended up at the Bladnoch distillery in Scotland). Mackmyra was also preceded by the Lodhian Distillery, founded in 1995, but they went bankrupt in 2003, however, some Lodhian vatted malt, a blend of their own whisky and Scotch whisky did eventually find its way to market.

At the time of writing, there are 9 distilleries producing whisky in Sweden, most of which are still very young. There are a few other distilling projects which are in the planning and financing stages.

List of Swedish Whisky Distilleries

Adalen Distillery

Founded in 2007 and known for its brand, Box Whisky, a single malt made in tiny quantities. It is the world’s most northerly distillery located in the old Box Power Station outside of the village of Koja in the Adalen Valley on the banks of the Angerman River. The stills arrived on site in 2010 with the first whisky being released in 2013. The distillery was designed by Ron Gibson who also designed Kilchoman in Islay.

Bergslagens Distillery

Located in the town of Orebro some 2 hours from Stockholm. Already known for producing Aquavit and Gin when the first whisky was produced in 2011.

Gammelstilla Distillery

Located in the village of Gammelstilla, Gavleborg County, founded in 2005, the stills were delivered in 2010 and whisky distillation began later that year. Very small production with first whisky released in 2013. Estimated production 3000 litres per year.

Gotland Distillery

Located in an old sugar mill in the town of Roma on the west coast of Gotland, Sweden’s largest island. Founded in 2004, the first spirit flowed from the stills in 2010. The whiskey is called Isle of Lime, after the island’s limestone rock, and was first released as a 3 year old in November 2013. Estimated production 60,000 litres per year.

Grythyttan Distillery

Located in Orebro County and founded in 2007. First distillation in 2010.

Hvan Backafallsbyn Distillery

Family-owned distillery located on the island of Hven, located in Oresund between Sweden and Denmark and founded in 2007. First spirit was produced in 2008. They produce pot still single malt whiskies (as well as Eau de Vie, Gin, Vodka and Rum) and it is the only other Swedish Whisky I have seen in the UK apart from Mackmyra. Their whisky range is called Spirit of Hven and is made using only ingredients from Hven, apart from imported peat. The first Spirit of Hven whisky was released in 2011.

Mackmyra

Founded in 1999 one of the first and the biggest Swedish whiskey producers. First spirit produced in 2002. A new distillery located outside of Galve with a 1.2 million litre capacity opened in 2011. They are known for the using a combination of different and interesting barrel finishes and / or different fuels for drying the malted barley. Also a big user of first fill Swedish oak barrels which also sets it apart. In other past there was also an intriguing Motorhead Whisky Bottling.

Smögen Distillery

Founded in 2009 with first whisky flowing in 2010, located just outside of Hunnebostrand, on the west coast of Sweden.

Wannborga Distillery

An existing distillery who first started producing whisky in 2007. The smallest Swedish Whisky producer with an annual production of about 2000 litres. Located on the island of Oland in the Baltic Sea. The second distillery to release a 3 year old Swedish Whisky. Surprisingly, considering their location, they also have a vineyard too!