Since 1953 the village of Koskenkorva in Finland has been making a name for itself in the way it knows best – distilling some of the best vodka possible. Using pure, unfiltered groundwater and northernmost grown barley, the team at Koskenkorva creates a range of spirits that have won numerous awards. Some of their latest accolades include International Spirits – Vodka Producer of the year in 2020, The Spirits Business Gold in 2020, and Green Awards – Green Company of the Year 2018.

Currently, the line only sells their Original vodka in the US, but they carry an extensive line of unique vodkas and liqueurs that we hope to see more of soon. They use their local environment’s ingredients and flavors, like pine, wild berries, and yarrow, to develop their more unique items. In spring of 2021, the line intends to launch a new bottling – Koskenkorva Vodka Climate Action, made from regeneratively farmed barley that draws CO2 from the atmosphere and returns it to the ground. This new line is just another step of Koskenkorva’s incredible sustainability plan.

At Koskenkorva, sustainability has taken precedence. Since 2015 they have been using their discarded barley husks, a leftover from distillation, as an energy source in their custom bio-energy power plant. The company has developed a circular economy, where they reduce and reuse as much as possible. The plant produces raw materials and starch used in animal feed, collects their carbon dioxide for greenhouse cultivation, and even uses the ashes they make to fertilize the nearby barley fields.

Having an interest in sustainability and the environment isn’t just about altruism; when you’re crafting a vodka with simple ingredients like barley and spring water, you want them to be as pure and high-quality as possible. Ensuring that crops are grown as naturally and with as many nutrients as possible leads to better vodka. Most of the barley used in the company’s vodka comes from within a 200 km radius of the village and is some of the world’s northernmost grown barley. A custom variety needs to be grown to deal with the short arctic growing season and the summer period where the sun doesn’t set. These unique farming challenges have resulted in a truly unique grain that creates a smooth, pure, and sustainable vodka perfect for every possible cocktail.

With the company’s growth, we hope to see more of their products enter the US market in the future. Our Koskenkorva Wishlist includes Sauna Barrel: a vodka aged in oak barrels for a hint of tar, smoke, and bourbon-inspired by the village Sauna. Forest Berries is another flavor we’re itching to try – a smooth vodka with natural raspberry, rhubarb, pine buds, and violet extract. In the meantime, we’re happy to add this stunning bottle to our bar and know that every time we pour a drink, we’re celebrating a company that’s making a difference!

 

Village Smash

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/3 oz. Koskenkorva Vodka Original
  • 2/3 oz. Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 oz. Sugar Syrup
  • 10 Mint Leaves
  • Egg White (optional)
  • Splash of Soda Water

Preparation: Measure all ingredients except soda in a shaker and vigorously shake. Double strain into a glass over ice. Top up with soda water, give a light stir, and garnish with an extra sprig of mint.

 

 

White Rabbit’s Breakfast

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/3 oz. Koskenkorva Vodka Original
  • 3 1/3 oz. Carrot Juice
  • 2/3 oz. Orange Juice
  • 1/3 oz. Lemon Juice
  • 1/3 oz. Sugar Syrup
  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • Tabasco
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Dash White Balsamic Vinegar

Preparation: Measure ingredients in a shaker and throw 3-4 times with ice. Strain into a highball glass with ice. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a grate of fresh pepper.