THE FEATURE
We have already learned about distilleries that were created by a group of friends with a shared passion, and our next stop on The Journey is another one but takes us back to some of the earliest new world whisky pioneers. What sounds like the start of an epic joke; a doctor, a chef, a butcher, a teacher, a helicopter pilot and 4 engineers, is actually the group of 9 friends that had a vision, backed up by very little knowledge at the outset, to produce the first Danish whisky. Aiming to capture their surroundings, they use local produce, created their own techniques, and ultimately produced whisky that could compete on the world whisky stage…
SOMETIMES, THE BEST THINGS COME OUT OF NOWHERE
THIS IS STAUNING WHISKY!
The Story
It was back in 2005, when the 9 friends set out on their journey of discovery. The remote village of Stauning on the West Coast of Denmark provided them with the perfect location, with access to fantastic local produce and some of Denmark’s finest water. They acquired a small Copper Pot still and an old butchery, and although they had a serious lack of whisky-making experience, they shared a passion and were driven on by curiosity and an experimental mindset.
They got barley from a local farmer, used the butchery cold room floor for malting, peat was found in a local museum and an old meat mincer was used for milling. The small fire-heated pot still was, and still is, the secret behind the distinctive character of their whisky. In 2006, the first drops of the second distillation came through and from the outset they knew they had something very special that could turn a passion project into something exceptional. The first commercial bottles were released in 2011, to rave reviews from top critics, and due to demand, they secured funding and were able to open their new and modern, purpose-built distillery in 2018. This has all been a catalyst for positive change in the local region with an increase in tourism and a boost to local commerce. The local community even comes together to help bottle their whiskies… Friends, family, and locals, all chatting, laughing, and enjoying a dram or two at the end.
To learn more about the Distillery and the processes used, click the button below
The Whisky - Bold, Fruity and honest Danish Whisky!
The Core range captures the signature flavours of Stauning Distillery…
Stauning Kaos - is a Triple malt that captures everything Stauning has to offer in one bottle, with a mashup of single malt, smoked single malt and rye whisky that all combines to make a wonderfully weird whisky, with notes of citrus fruits, smoke, chocolate, pepper and apple.
Stauning Rye - liquid rye bread… Distinctively Danish Rye whisky, which is bold with notes of smooth Rye, vanilla, citrus, spice, pepper, and even a touch of mint.
Stauning Smoke - The original release is gently smoked and a celebration of the Danish West Coast terroir.
The Research Series - Includes Bastard, which is their Rye finished in Mezcal casks, and El Clasico that finishes their Rye in Vermouth casks. There is also Curious, which is a smoked Rye New Make, which gives you a chance to try the unaged heart of their spirit.
There is also the Limited Series that are released to celebrate occasions and milestones and the Single Casks that capture specific grains, styles and cask types. This is honest Danish Whisky, so they do not chill-filter or add any caramel colouring to any of their whiskies… Jubel!
The Journey
Our members will be enjoying 100ml of Stauning Kaos in April and then 100ml of Stauning Rye in May, which we feel will provide a great understanding of what the distillery has to offer. There will also be a live tasting with one of the Founders plus some delicious serving and pairing suggestions…
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Join us now on The Journey for your chance to enjoy 100ml of these wonderful whiskies from under £17.00 per month, or head to The Shop if you would prefer to buy a single 100ml or full-size bottle.
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