In the small village of Koskenkorva, in Southern Ostrobothnia, Finland, one of the country’s most iconic spirits is produced. The Koskenkorva distillery was established in the 1930s and 1940s, when Finland’s state alcohol monopoly acquired land from the Koskenkorva family, whose estate dates back to the 1600s. The first experimental distillation took place in 1941, and by 1953 the first official spirit, Koskenkorva Viina, reached the market. By 1960, it had become Finland’s most popular alcoholic beverage. Initially distilled from potatoes, Koskenkorva Vodka soon shifted to high-quality Finnish barley, grown in the fertile coastal fields and stored for use throughout the long winters. Today, the barley used in production comes from within 200 kilometers of the village, with local farmers continuing a tradition passed down for generations. Unique northern barley varieties, such as Saana and Elmeri, thrive during Finland’s short but bright summers, when the sun barely sets. The other key ingredient is crystal-clear Finnish spring water, naturally filtered through the Salpausselkä ridges. Untreated and unfiltered, this water gives Koskenkorva Vodka its smooth taste. Combined with a state-of-the-art continuous distillation process, which uses 100% of the barley grain and operates almost year-round, the result is a pure, consistent spirit with minimal environmental impact. Sustainability is at the heart of Koskenkorva’s identity. The distillery recycles or reuses 99.9% of its side streams, from ashes used as fertilizer to by-products turned into energy, and has cut its CO₂ emissions by 50%. In 2018, it was awarded Green Company of the Year at the Drinks Business Green Awards. The brand has also expanded its range, offering not only classic and organic vodkas but also flavored liqueurs such as Lemon Shot, Ginger Shot, Minttu, and Forest Berries, inspired by Finland’s pure nature and flavors. Today, Koskenkorva Vodka remains a proud symbol of Finnish craftsmanship, purity, and sustainability—combining centuries-old traditions with innovative, eco-friendly practices.
Read more on Koskenkorva.com
