Whisky is now produced all around the globe, with distilleries in some seemingly unexpected locations. There are currently nearly 50 countries, outside of the traditional big four of Ireland, Japan, Scotland and the USA, that are distilling whisky. Europe is a particular hotbed of activity as the market for whisky is traditionally strong, due mostly to its relative proximity to Scotland and Ireland. This growth has been fuelled by the craft distilling movement.
Numerous are small with a history of distilling other spirits such as fruit brandies, eaux de vie, vodka or gin. In many case the whiskies are generally produced for the local market but some are expanding their ranges and distributing their products further afield. In addition, there are numerous other distilleries where whisky is produced on an occasional basis. Across Europe, the production of whisky is a relatively young industry but there are a couple of exceptions. Here we will concentrate on the significant players on the European scene.
United Kingdom
England now boasts over 50 distilleries producing whiskies. This has grown from just one in 2010 and significantly over the last decade thanks to the craft distilling movement. Wales has more of a whisky heritage but had no distilleries in the country for over a century until Penderyn was founded in 2000. Now several more are flourishing.
Scandinavia
The Scandinavian countries of Denmark and Sweden have led the whisky revolution in the region with some of the biggest names in European whisky hailing from here. Finland also has a strong showing, while the Norway and Iceland are at the fledgling stage. Scandinavia is a particular hotbed for the exploration of rye whisky production.
Mediterranean
Think of the Mediterranean and its warm climate, and you may not think of whisky. But it is a huge market for Scotch whisky in particular and also home to a set of innovative distilleries. This includes DYC in Spain, one of the oldest European whisky producers, and Puni in Italy with its architecturally stunning distillery buildings.
France
France may be more well-known for spirits such as Cognac, Armagnac and calvados but it is building a reputation for its whisky. Numerous craft distillers are following in the footsteps of earlier whisky making pioneers. This has resulted in a vibrant scene and an ever-growing French whisky category that is winning many awards.
Germany
Germany has a rich distilling history, especially spirits such as schnapps and many aperitifs and digestifs. But it is also a hotbed of craft and artisanal whisky distilling with many distilleries having popped up across the country. Some are pushing the boundaries and creating some of Europes most innovative and experiments whiskies.
Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe is an up-and-coming area for whisky, having been long known for the production of other spirits such as vodka and fruit brandies. While whisky distillation remains relatively sparse compared to other areas of the continent, there are an increasing number of interesting products coming out of the region.
European Whisky
Whisky Reviews
European Whisky – The New World Whisky
There are literally hundreds of small producers making whisky in all four corners of Europe. Some are new projects, some have evolved from places making other traditional regional spirits, While some have risen to be household names amongst whisky drinkers and the wider public, others remain very small and local.
The continent does not have a rich whisky making history, bar in Scotland and Ireland, but there are early pioneers dotted around – these include DYC in Spain from the 1950s and Blaue Maus in Germany from the early 1980s, while Warenghem in France started whisky production in the early 1990s.
Europe has embraced the recent craft distilling movement, almost more than anywhere else in the world, and is now home to a wonderfully vibrant and energetic whisky scene. There is an entire continent of whisky and flavour to explore out there. What are you waiting for?
Did you know?
Two Scandinavian distilleries began life in repurposed buildings – Mackmyra from Sweden was originally produced in an old mill, while Stauning from Denmark was in a former abbatoir. Both now boast newer award-winning state-of-the-art distilleries. Another similarity is that both were founded by groups of whisky-loving friends – eight in the case of Mackmyra and nine for Stauning.
Great places to start
Malt Whisky Yearbook
The annual publication of the Malt Whisky Yearbook by Ingvar Ronde is eagerly awaited by any fan of whisky. Each year since 2005 it has been a precise and detailed reference for all current distilleries around the world – including extensive coverage of Europe.
The World Atlas of Whisky
With full colour maps and profiles of more than 500 whisky distilleries around the world, this 2nd edition book by Dave Broom features Europe as part of his world map.