1. Where is Kalevala Distillery located?

Kalevala Distillery is located in Kitee, Eastern Finland, a region known for its pristine forests, pure groundwater, and unspoiled Nordic nature. This environment isn’t just our backdrop — it’s an essential part of our identity. The quiet landscape and seasonal shifts influence our choices of botanicals, our methods, and the style of spirits we produce. Many ingredients are grown right in our own garden or sourced from growers just minutes away.

2. What makes Kalevala spirits unique?

Our spirits stand out because we combine traditional distilling techniques with Nordic ingredients, small-batch craftsmanship, and a strong connection to our surroundings. Each gin reflects our philosophy: clean flavours, clarity, balance, and authenticity. By using local botanicals, we avoid generic flavour profiles and instead highlight the character of Finland’s nature: from earthy Jerusalem artichoke to bright local berries. Every bottle is handled by our team at the distillery, ensuring quality from start to finish.

3. Which products are part of your main range?

Starting in 2026, we focus on three signature expressions that best showcase who we are and where we come from:

• Kalevala Kitee Dry Gin – A refined version of our London Dry Gin concept, enhanced with local Jerusalem artichoke for an earthy, Nordic twist.

• Kalevala Ruby Gin – A vibrant, berry-forward spirit infused with cranberries and bilberries after distillation for two weeks.

• Kalevala GNISH – Our low-alcohol alternative designed for flavourful and lighter enjoyment.

While we are simplifying our portfolio, customers will still be able to purchase our current products until the end of 2025.

4. Why did you discontinue some products, like the Blue Label Gin?

We decided to streamline our product range to focus on expressions that truly represent our core values, production philosophy, and regional identity. The Blue Label Gin has been one of our favourites, but simplifying the selection allows us to invest more time and attention into fewer, stronger products. Importantly, the characteristic Topinambur note from the Blue Label lives on in our Kitee Dry Gin and GNISH, so the flavour legacy continues even as the product retires.

5. Are your products organic?

We previously held organic certification, but we made the decision to step away from it. This choice allows us to collaborate more closely with exceptional local producers who offer outstanding ingredients but do not carry organic certification due to its cost and administrative requirements. Although our spirits are no longer certified organic, our commitment to high-quality, clean, and responsibly sourced ingredients remains unchanged. For us, local and fresh outweighs bureaucracy.

6. Is Jerusalem Artichoke an allowed ingredient in gin?

Yes. Jerusalem artichoke (Topinambur) is allowed in gin, including London Dry Gin, provided it is used in accordance with EU gin regulations. The key requirement is that the predominant flavour must be juniper, and that the distillate meets specific production criteria. We use Jerusalem artichoke for its earthy character and natural sweetness — always as a supporting botanical, never overshadowing juniper. It helps create a unique Nordic profile that has become a signature for us.

7. What is GNISH?

GNISH is our carefully developed low-alcohol alternative to gin, crafted for those who want a flavourful spirit experience with significantly less alcohol. Unlike alcohol-free alternatives, GNISH contains a small amount of alcohol, which helps carry botanical flavours more naturally and blends seamlessly into classic serves. Creating GNISH was a technical and creative challenge: it required rethinking distillation, adjusting botanical composition, and balancing aroma intensity at a much lower ABV.

8. How do I use GNISH?

You can use GNISH the same way you’d use a traditional gin. It works beautifully in a G&T (we recommend plenty of ice and a light tonic), refreshing highballs, and many gin cocktails. Because of its lighter profile, GNISH shines especially well in drinks that don’t rely on high alcohol for structure. We regularly collaborate with cocktail creators, who share easy serve suggestions and seasonal recipes. GNISH allows you to enjoy flavour-forward drinks on weekdays, during social gatherings, or anytime you want a lighter option without compromising taste.

9. Is GNISH alcohol-free?

No, GNISH is not alcohol-free. It is a low-alcohol spirit, intentionally crafted to offer a genuine gin-like experience while lowering the overall strength of your drinks. This makes it an excellent option for moderation, mindful drinking, or for those who enjoy cocktails but prefer to avoid higher alcohol levels.

10. Do you use local botanicals?

Yes, local botanicals are a key part of our identity. We grow part of our botanicals in our own garden and source the rest from skilled growers in our region. This helps us ensure freshness, transparency, and traceability. It also supports local agriculture and reduces transportation-related emissions. When you taste our spirits, you’re tasting a little bit of Kitee.

11. Are your gins handcrafted?

Absolutely. Every batch is distilled in small quantities, monitored closely, and bottled by hand at our distillery. We apply labels ourselves using our own machinery — an approach that ensures careful quality control and preserves the artisanal character of each bottle. Small-batch production gives us the freedom to maintain high standards and experiment thoughtfully when developing new products.

12. Where can I buy Kalevala products?

Our products are available through selected retailers and distributors across various markets, including the Nordics and Europe. We also work with online partners such as BeMakers, which provides access to multiple regions depending on local regulations. Availability varies by country, but our website and social channels are always updated with the latest purchase options.

13. Do you ship internationally?

We do not currently ship directly to consumers across borders, primarily due to alcohol regulations. However, several of our distribution partners offer regional or international delivery. If you’re unsure which option applies to your country, feel free to contact us and we’ll guide you to the best solution.

14. Do you offer private-label or on-demand production?

Yes. We develop custom spirits starting at 1000 bottles, and we’ve already created several unique projects like our Saimaa Barrel Aged Gin. These limited runs are ideal for bars, restaurants, private clients, or brands looking to create something distinctive. Due to their limited nature, many of these releases become collector’s items.13. Do you ship internationally?

15. What is Kalevala Distillery doing for sustainability?

Sustainability is central to our philosophy. We prioritise local sourcing to reduce transportation emissions, partner with nearby growers, and minimize waste in every part of our production. Our small-batch approach avoids overproduction, and we continuously work to improve energy efficiency at the distillery. By focusing on durable packaging and carefully chosen materials, we aim to create products that are not only beautiful but responsible.

16. Can I visit the distillery?

At this time, visits are possible by appointment only. As a small team, our production schedule varies, and arranging personal tours ensures we can give visitors our full attention. We plan to expand our visitor offering in the future as we grow. If you're interested in a visit, feel free to reach out, we’re happy to discuss options.

17. How can I contact you?

You can reach us through the contact form on our website or directly by email. Whether you have product questions, business inquiries, or collaboration ideas, we’re always glad to hear from you. We do our best to respond as quickly as possible.

Any further questions? Just reach out to us, we are here for you!