The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Finland
Finland, the land of lakes, forests, and the midnight sun, has quietly but confidently entered the global gin scene. Known for its pure nature and minimalist design culture, Finland’s distillers are now producing world-class gins that reflect the country’s wild botanicals and clean landscapes. Alongside gin, Finland has also developed premium tonic water brands, making the gin & tonic an essential part of contemporary Finnish bar culture.
The Rise of Finnish Gin
Unlike Britain or the Netherlands, Finland does not have centuries of gin-making history. Instead, its expertise grew out of vodka production, for which the country has long been known. In recent decades, however, Finnish distillers have embraced the gin renaissance, using local botanicals such as sea buckthorn, birch leaves, lingonberries, blueberries, and Arctic herbs to create spirits with a distinctly Nordic identity.
Famous Finnish Gin Brands
1. Napue Gin (Now Kyrö Gin) – The Global Icon
Distillery: Kyrö Distillery Company, Isokyrö
Founded: 2012
Perhaps the most internationally famous Finnish gin, Napue Gin (renamed Kyrö Gin) catapulted onto the world stage when it won the World’s Best Gin for Gin & Tonic at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2015.
-
Flavor Profile: A classic dry gin enriched with Finnish botanicals such as cranberries, sea buckthorn, birch leaves, and meadowsweet.
-
Serving Ritual: Traditionally paired with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary in a gin & tonic.
-
Legacy: Kyrö transformed Finland’s reputation in the gin world, proving that a small distillery from rural Ostrobothnia could compete with global giants.
2. Tenu Gin – The Wild Forest Spirit
Distillery: Tenu Gin Collective (produced in Finland, bottled in Estonia)
Tenu Gin celebrates Finland’s wilderness with branding that highlights wolves, forests, and raw Nordic nature.
-
Botanicals: Juniper, Arctic herbs, lingonberries, and wild forest botanicals.
-
Identity: Marketed as a mysterious, untamed gin that captures the Finnish wilderness.
-
Recognition: Popular in both Finland and export markets for its bold identity.
3. Långvik Gin – Small-Batch Finnish Elegance
Produced in smaller quantities, Långvik Gin has gained attention in local bar culture. It is crafted with high-quality botanicals and reflects Finland’s design ethos: understated but refined.
-
Flavor Profile: Balanced between juniper and citrus, with floral hints.
-
Cultural Role: A niche product, often found in boutique bars and upscale hotels.
4. Arctic Blue Gin – The Blueberry Star
Distillery: Arctic Blue Beverages, Ilomantsi, North Karelia
Arctic Blue Gin is famous for its use of wild Finnish blueberries, hand-picked from the forests of Karelia.
-
Variants:
-
Arctic Blue Gin: Classic dry gin with blueberry notes.
-
Arctic Blue Oat Gin: A unique gin infused with Finnish oats, creating a creamy mouthfeel.
-
-
Awards: Winner of the Spirit of the Year at ISW (Germany) in 2018.
-
Unique Appeal: Brings a taste of Finland’s berry forests into every sip.
5. Myrtilli Gin – The Berry Tradition
Produced by smaller Finnish distilleries, Myrtilli Gin is blueberry-focused, highlighting one of Finland’s most abundant forest fruits.
-
Style: Fruity yet dry, ideal for summer gin & tonics.
-
Local Popularity: A favorite among Finns who enjoy lighter, berry-driven flavors.
6. Other Emerging Finnish Craft Gins
The craft gin wave in Finland has inspired numerous micro-distilleries. New names often experiment with local botanicals like spruce tips, nettles, and rye, reflecting Finland’s deep connection to its natural environment.
Famous Finnish Tonic Water Brands
1. A21 Finnish Tonic – Design-Driven Quality
A21, a Finnish tonic producer, reflects the clean design language of Scandinavia.
-
Flavors: Classic Indian Tonic, Elderflower, and Nordic-inspired blends.
-
Reputation: Pairs especially well with Kyrö Gin and Arctic Blue Gin.
-
Identity: Minimalist branding that resonates with Finland’s design traditions.
2. Hartwall’s Tonic Water – The Everyday Classic
Hartwall, one of Finland’s largest beverage companies, produces widely available tonic waters that form the backbone of casual gin & tonic culture in Finland.
-
Strength: Accessibility and consistency.
-
Role: A staple in households, often used with domestic gins like Kyrö.
3. Global Premium Tonics
International brands such as Fever-Tree, Schweppes, and Fentimans are also highly popular in Finland. Premium bars often use Fever-Tree with Kyrö Gin to highlight botanical complexity.
Finland’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today
The gin and tonic has become a symbol of contemporary lifestyle in Finland, particularly among younger urban professionals.
-
Garnishes: Fresh berries (cranberries, blueberries, lingonberries), herbs (rosemary, thyme), and spruce tips are common garnishes, giving Finnish gin & tonics a local touch.
-
Bar Scene: Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere now host gin festivals and tasting events, with Kyrö often leading the lineup.
-
Design Influence: Bottles, labels, and glassware reflect Finland’s design culture—minimalist, clean, and functional.
-
Export Strength: Brands like Kyrö and Arctic Blue are now widely available abroad, cementing Finland’s reputation as a premium gin producer.
Conclusion
Finland may not have the centuries-old traditions of Britain or the Netherlands, but it has quickly established itself as a world-class gin destination. The country’s distillers combine Nordic purity with bold use of local botanicals, creating gins that stand apart in flavor and identity.
-
Kyrö Gin (Napue) remains the global flagship, celebrated for its unique botanicals and award-winning gin & tonics.
-
Arctic Blue Gin captures the essence of Finnish blueberry forests.
-
Tenu and Långvik bring artistry and storytelling into the bottle.
-
Paired with tonics like A21 or international favorites, Finnish gin & tonics reflect purity, wilderness, and Nordic craftsmanship.
For gin enthusiasts, exploring Finland’s gin & tonic culture is like walking through the country’s forests and fields—wild, fresh, and unforgettable, sip by sip.
