Kyrö finishes whisky in sauna
Finnish distillery Kyrö has unveiled the ‘world’s first’ sauna-finished whisky with its new Sauna Stories series.
By blending whisky innovation with the rich heritage of Finnish sauna culture, Kyrö's Sauna Stories celebrates the distillery's 10th anniversary and aims to push boundaries in the spirits world. The new series is an ode to the distillery's founding in a sauna in 2012, with its first production commencing in 2014. The new limited edition malted rye whisky was finished in Planteray rum casks inside a specially built sauna. The barrels were gently heated with excess heat from the distillation process, reaching internal temperatures of up to 50°C. During the process, the whisky is allowed to 'sweat out' any disharmony, extracting unique compounds from the barrel and harmonising the flavours in an unusual way. The result is what Kyrö’s distiller describes as its 'most relaxed whisky' yet – full of character, with a flavour profile that marries creamy vanilla and Jamaican fruits with the brown sugar and spice of rye. Kalle Valkonen, head distiller of Kyrö Distillery, said: “I think it’s only natural that we make whisky in a way that reflects the culture we reside in. And the fact that Finnish whisky history is nearly non-existent positions us as trailblazers.” Sauna Stories No 1 is the first release of whiskies that will undergo the same sauna-finishing process. Offered at 50.8% ABV, the inaugural release is limited to 1,908 bottles and has a suggested retail price of €149.90 (US$165). Mikko Koskinen, founder and marketing director of Kyrö Distillery, stated: “Our goal is to bring people together over rye spirits, and we let this guide our production and communication. We need to make spirits that are interesting for connoisseurs, delicious for beginners and inspiring for all." Earlier this year, the Finnish distillery appointed Micha Fritzen as brand ambassador for Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH). In 2023, Kyrö Distillery launched its core whisky range, comprising four rye whiskies.
