Teerenpeli: Finland’s Single Malt Revelation.

When one conjures images of Finland, it’s easy to drift towards the serene vistas of crystal-clear lakes, the comforting warmth of saunas, and perhaps a frosty glass of vodka. Yet, hidden within this tranquil land of 180,000 lakes—a veritable mosaic of shimmering blue—is a family-owned distillery that’s weaving its own tale into the rich tapestry of whisky history: Teerenpeli Distillery.

From Lahti’s Green Embrace to the World Stage

Teerenpeli’s beginnings are as modest as a shy whisper from the lush green depths of Lahti, a city where 74% of the landscape wears a thick coat of trees like a hand-knitted sweater. It began as a simple restaurant brewery, content to serve the locals, but like an unsuspecting seedling, it quietly stretched skyward into a whisky colossus.

Now, Teerenpeli stands tall, blending the old-world charm of Scottish distilling with the cool, understated ingenuity of the North. It’s a union as seamless as a bespoke suit tailored from both tweed and reindeer hide, where tradition and innovation are stitched together with every drop.

And let’s not forget their green credentials—Teerenpeli isn’t just pouring whisky; they’re practically bottling nature itself. Their wood pellet plant is the distillery’s heart, pumping eco-friendly energy into every barrel. Think of them as whisky’s answer to a forest elf—crafting elixirs from the Earth while leaving nothing but soft footprints in the soil.

Where most distilleries flex their muscles with ABV like a bodybuilder in a tank top, Teerenpeli is the dapper gentleman at the bar, quietly confident at 43%. Sure, Finland’s alcohol laws keep the ABV on a leash, but here’s the kicker: Teerenpeli’s whisky doesn’t need brute strength to turn heads. It’s a lesson in finesse—proof that true character isn’t in the volume but in the subtle complexities of the flavor. Like a whisper that captures your attention more than a shout, Teerenpeli proves that less can indeed be more.

Teerenpeli’s story is one of elegant fusion, where centuries-old Scottish tradition waltzes hand-in-hand with cool Nordic creativity. Picture a master painter blending ancient pigments with fresh, vibrant hues from a northern landscape. They’ve imported traditional Scottish pot stills as if carrying sacred relics, but the real magic lies in the Finnish touch—the crystal-clear groundwater and golden barley grown under the endless summer skies.

First Taste: The 10-Year Odyssey

My introduction to Teerenpeli began with their 10-year-old single malt—a journey through whisky that feels like a voyage across a sweeping landscape. Aged in a dual embrace of bourbon and sherry casks, this whisky is both an ode to tradition and a bold statement.

On the nose, it unfurls like a sunset over a Nordic fjord, with waves of butterscotch and dark chocolate toffee blending seamlessly with the bright, fruity notes of nectarines and apples. A hint of liquorice playfully flits across the scent like a mischievous breeze.

The first sip is a revelation—a texture reminiscent of a gently rolling river, slightly oily with a spicy crescendo that eventually settles into a sweet fruitiness and a comforting, earthy oakiness. The finish is a medium-length journey, with a salty astringency that circles back to that initial spicy bite. It’s a whisky that beckons you to linger, savoring its many layers.

Kaski: Sherry Elegance with a Finnish Poem

Next, I delved into Kaski, Teerenpeli's sherry cask masterpiece. This whisky, once a fleeting star, has become a mainstay, as beloved as a classic Nordic tale. Named after an ancient Finnish practice of burning fields to restore fertility, Kaski is a poetic embodiment of its name. Matured solely in sherry casks for six years, it offers an aromatic bouquet of brown sugar, raisins, and red fruit—each scent a verse in a Finnish epic. Beneath these sweet notes lie earthy, peppery undertones, like hidden passages in an old forest.

On the palate, Kaski is a symphony of flavors—a harmonious blend of wood, bitterness, and a crescendo of grainy richness. It evokes the warmth and complexity of a fine cognac, yet with a distinct Finnish flair. Each sip feels like reading a cherished old book, rich with depth and history.

Savu: The Smoky Enigma

For peat enthusiasts, Teerenpeli’s Savu is a revelation—like discovering a hidden chamber in an ancient castle. Named "Savu," which means "smoke" in Finnish, this expression is matured in bourbon and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, crafting a delicate balance between peat and fruit. The nose reveals whispers of soot and cold smoke, like the distant echoes of a long-forgotten fire.

On the palate, Savu is a restrained peat experience, not the tempestuous storm of an Islay peat bomb, but rather a gentle mist that envelops you. The sherry influence adds a layer of sweet and savory complexity, a delicate dance of flavors that lingers on the finish with a soft smokiness, inviting you to take another sip. Imagine a smoky twilight that beckons you to explore further.

The Final Sip

Though Teerenpeli may be a newcomer compared to Scotland’s storied distilleries, it has carved out its own unique identity—a Nordic single malt experience that’s as fresh as a morning mist over a Finnish lake. Each expression is a delicate interplay of tradition and Teerenpeli’s distinctive terroir. With Lahti’s green credentials and Teerenpeli’s commitment to sustainability, every sip is a testament to their dedication to both exceptional whisky and a healthier planet.

Alas, for those seeking to journey beyond the familiar realms of whisky, Teerenpeli offers a truly special destination—a taste of Finland that is both extraordinary and enduring.

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Words by AW.

Photos courtesy of Teerenpeli Distillery.