Danish Whisky Defined
On April 10, 2025, the Danish Whisky Manifesto was published to promote and protect Denmark as a whisky producing region. This marks another major milestone in the history of Danish, and indeed Nordic whisky. With the Danish Whisky Manifesto almost all of the major Danish whisky distilleries have agreed on a definition of what makes an Authentic Danish Whisky.
The group of distilleries has launched a new Authentic Danish Whisky logo which will act as proof that the product lives up to the principles of the Danish Whisky Manifesto. Eventually the goal is to achieve a protected geographical indication (GI) for Danish Whisky to be implemented across the EU and international markets
The “founding” distilleries
Before I get into the details of the definition of Danish whisky, let’s look at who are behind this important initiative. All the ten initial signatories of the manifesto are member of the Danish Distilleries and Spirits Producers Association. They currently organize more than 20 Danish distilleries of all types; producing whisky, gin, schnapps, brandy, rum, aquavit, vodka, and liqueur.
The ten whisky distilleries that have signed the Danish Whisky Manifesto are:
The representatives from the ten founding distilleries behind the Danish Whisky Manifesto.
Defining Authentic Danish Whisky
To carry the Authentic Danish Whisky label, a whisky must adhere to the following principles specified in the Danish Whisky Manifesto:
Danish whisky must be mashed, fermented, and distilled in Denmark
Danish whisky must age for at least three years in Denmark
Danish whisky is made from Danish cereals – if not, it must be clearly stated
From 2030-01-01 all Danish whisky must be distilled 100% from cereals of certified Danish origin - or - if cereals with other origins are used it must be stated clearly on the label of the product when bottled as Danish whisky.
All cereals, malted or unmalted, may be used
Different types of distillation equipment may be used
Various types of wood may be used in cask maturation
The addition of colorants, flavorings, or sweeteners is not allowed
Variants of Danish whisky:
Danish single malt whisky must be distilled from a mash of 100% malted barley.
Danish rye whisky, Danish wheat whisky, Danish oat whisky etc. must be distilled from a mash consisting of at least 51% of the specified grain.
Eight of the ten distilleries have already released (many expressions of) whisky. Here are a few examples.
Comments from the announcement
Jakob Stjernholm, co-owner of Thy Whisky – an organic farm distillery who grow and malt their own grain – who is acting as chairman of the group of Danish whisky distillers had the following to say at the announcement of the manifesto:
“One of the really amazing things about our manifesto is, that now, when you buy a bottle of Danish Whisky you can expect the whisky to be made in Denmark using only Danish grains.
Denmark has something unique to offer. We’re a grain country with strong agricultural traditions. Using local grain and seeking inspiration in our local terroir and tradition is what really makes Danish whisky stand out”.
Hans Martin Hansgaard, co-founder of Stauning Whisky, explained further:
“The Danish Whisky Manifesto is inspired by The Nordic Kitchen Manifesto that launched in 2004 and helped define a new culinary tradition in Denmark. With the whisky manifesto we are defining what Danish whisky is. Both Danish and international consumers are increasingly seeking authentic products with transparency about ingredients and production methods. This is part of the reason why we welcome over 20,000 visitors annually to our distillery in Stauning. But there’s still a huge potential to strengthen the story of Danish whisky abroad. The new manifesto will help us do just that.”
What’s next?
Continue supporting Danish and Nordic whisky whenever you can! Visit local tastings, go to festivals, share your experiences online.
Personally I am very much looking forward to attending and contributing at the Thy Whisky Festival at Thy Distillery on June 14. At the festival you get to meet the following Danish distilleries; Fary Lochan, Sall, Stauning, Thornæs and of course Thy. You also get to meet other Nordic distilleries; Aurora Spirit (Norway), Spirit of Hven (Sweden) and Teerenpeli (Finland).
Slàinte!
- Thomas
