Finland’s Kyrö Distillery launches rye whisky

Kyrö Distillery has released the first Finnish rye whisky, stocks of which are “considerably smaller than originally planned”.

Only 360 bottle of Kyrö Single Malt Rye Whisky have been released globally – 36 in the UK – due to demand for the distillery’s rye-based Napue Gin

“Demand for the rye gin sky-rocketed overnight, leaving the distillery no choice but to put whisky production on hold,” said Kyrö Distillery.

“Napue Gin is currently exported to 28 countries and sales continue to grow, but now after significant expansion works at the distillery, whisky production is once again running at full capacity.

“This first limited batch of Kyrö Single Malt Rye Whisky is only the first taste of great things to come as larger quantities mature over the next couple of years.”

Kyrö Single Malt Rye Whisky has been matured for just over three years in new American oak casks before being transferred to first-fill Bourbon casks. The whisky has been finished in Marsala casks.

The whisky, which has been distilled, matured and bottled in Isokyrö, Finland, has an abv of 47.8% and is priced at £59.95 (US$79.90).

In addition to Napue Gin, Kyrö Distillery makes cask-aged gin Koskue, new-make whisky spirit Juuri and long drink LongKyrö.

The rye whisk(e)y trend has gained momentum in recent years – according to new data from trade body the Distilled Spirits Council, rye whiskey volumes increased by 778% between 2009 and 2016.

Earlier this month, rye whisky production resumed in Scotland for the first time in 100 years with the release of InchDairnie’s inaugural product.

Ryelaw brings together elements of Scotch and American rye whisky by distilling a mash made with a high proportion of malted rye, the key component in American rye whiskey, as well as malted barley, the key ingredient in Scotch whisky.