Stauning distillery

Introduction to Stauning

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Stauning is a Danish whisky distillery that beautifully marries traditional craftsmanship with Nordic innovation. Located on Denmark’s west coast, this pioneering distillery has built a reputation for delivering exceptional spirits created with profound respect for ingredients, technique, and terroir.

The whisky produced at Stauning is a testament to Danish ingenuity and patience, reflecting both the rugged coastal landscape and the meticulous attention to detail that defines Scandinavian design philosophy.

Why we have our eye on Stauning

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that create something truly unique – both in flavor and identity. Stauning distinguishes itself through its floor malting process, direct-fired copper pot stills, and commitment to using 100% locally sourced Danish ingredients.

Their whisky doesn’t merely imitate Scotch traditions but instead forges a new path for Nordic whisky with distinctive character and exceptional quality.

The Story Behind Stauning

Origin and development

Stauning was founded in 2005 by nine friends with a shared vision of creating authentic Danish whisky. What began as an experimental project in a small butcher shop in rural Jutland has evolved into one of Europe’s most respected craft distilleries.

The founders – a doctor, a chef, a butcher, a teacher, a helicopter pilot, and four engineers – combined their diverse skills and passion for whisky to establish something extraordinary in the Danish countryside.

Through the years, Stauning has grown significantly while maintaining its commitment to traditional methods and local ingredients, earning international acclaim and attracting investment from Diageo’s Distill Ventures in 2015.

The people behind

The distillery is still guided by its original founding members who continue to share a profound passion for whisky innovation and Danish craftsmanship. Each batch reflects the dedication and vision of these whisky pioneers who dared to challenge conventions.

Their collective expertise and unwavering commitment to quality have shaped Stauning into a benchmark for New Nordic whisky, demonstrating that exceptional single malt can be produced far beyond Scotland’s borders.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Stauning begins with locally grown barley and rye from the surrounding farmlands of West Jutland. Unlike most modern distilleries, Stauning floor-malts all of their grain in-house – a labor-intensive process that gives their whisky distinctive character.

The distillation occurs in 24 small direct-fired copper pot stills, a rare approach in modern whisky making that creates a richer, more complex spirit. This method, while requiring more skill and attention, produces a whisky with exceptional depth and character.

Their process combines time-honored techniques with innovative approaches, resulting in a whisky that is both respectful of tradition and boldly progressive.

Maturation and aging

Aging takes place in a variety of casks including ex-bourbon barrels, virgin American oak, and Spanish sherry casks. The maritime climate of Denmark’s west coast influences the maturation process, with the North Sea winds and variable temperatures contributing to the whisky’s unique profile.

Many of Stauning’s releases are small-batch or single cask expressions, offering enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the pure essence of their distillate and the influence of their exceptional aging environment.

Selected Products from Stauning

Stauning Rye – An introduction to the house style

This rye whisky showcases the distillery’s distinctive approach and Danish terroir. Notes of fresh bread, pepper, vanilla, and subtle coastal influence create a perfect introduction to Stauning’s philosophy and flavor profile.

With a mash bill of 51% rye and 49% malted barley, this whisky offers a uniquely Danish interpretation of rye whisky that appeals to both newcomers and experienced whisky enthusiasts.

Stauning Kaos – An experience for connoisseurs

A more complex expression that combines the distillery’s malted rye, peated malt, and non-peated malt whiskies. Expect a multilayered experience with notes of smoke, honey, dark chocolate, and dried fruits – a bottle for those who truly want to dive into the complexity of Stauning’s capabilities.

The name “Kaos” (chaos) aptly reflects the intricate dance of flavors that makes this expression so captivating and unique.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Stauning offers guided tours where visitors can witness every step of their traditional production process – from floor malting to direct-fired distillation. The tasting experience typically includes 3-5 expressions, providing an excellent overview of their range.

The visitor center offers a modern Scandinavian aesthetic with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that influences their whisky’s character, making it a must-visit destination for whisky enthusiasts traveling in Denmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stauning?

Stauning is a Danish whisky distillery that produces premium single malt and rye whiskies with a focus on traditional production methods and local ingredients. Their approach combines floor malting, direct-fired stills, and Danish grains to create distinctive Nordic whiskies with a sense of place.

Where is Stauning located?

The distillery is situated in the town of Stauning in West Jutland, Denmark, near the Fjord and North Sea. This coastal location influences both the character of their whisky and their connection to Danish agricultural traditions.

What characterizes Stauning whisky?

Stauning is particularly known for floor malting all their grains, using direct-fired copper pot stills, and sourcing 100% local Danish ingredients. Their whiskies often display a distinctive character that combines fruity notes with subtle maritime influences and exceptional depth.

Whether producing rye, peated or unpeated single malt, each expression carries the unmistakable signature of their meticulous production methods and Danish terroir.

Where can I buy whisky from Stauning?

You can find selected bottles from Stauning at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best expressions – from core ranges to limited editions – ensuring you have access to something truly special from this remarkable Danish distillery.