🥃 Koskenkorva

Koskenkorva is a Finnish barley vodka, named after a village in Ilmajoki, in western Finland. The brand has been produced since 1953, and the classic version is bottled at 40% ABV. It is made by Altia, which after merging with Arcus is part of the Anora group. It is one of the best-known vodkas in Northern Europe.

History. The distillery in Koskenkorva was founded in 1944; a new state-owned one was built in 1971–1973 and modernised in 1987. The vodka reached the market in 1953. Until the 2016 redesign, the label carried the number 013, the original product number in the Finnish state monopoly Alko. It is the leading vodka brand in Northern Europe.

How it is made. The raw material is barley grown only in Finland; Difford's Guide calls it six-row barley, and Anora calls it the 'most northern barley'. The spirit is obtained by continuous multi-column distillation in seven steel columns about 25 metres tall. The producer describes near-zero-waste production: waste goes to animal feed, and the CO2 from fermentation is sold to industry. The water, according to Anora's description, is unfiltered groundwater.

Range. Besides the Original, there are flavoured versions such as Salmiakki Koskenkorva with sweet liquorice. Their strength and taste differ from the Original, which is labelled 40% ABV in most countries.

Why it matters to you. Vodka and flavoured drinks with the same name are different products, so read the full name. The same plant supplies spirit for Finlandia, but that is a separate brand. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.