Kyrö single malt rye whiskey review

Kyrö are as Finnish as an ice fishing Sami Hyypiä. The company was first dreamed up by a bunch of rye whiskey loving pals sat in a sauna.

The group pondered why there was no Finnish-made rye whiskey given that their nation consumed six times more rye than the global average. The national dish of Finland is rye bread for crying out loud.

The gang moved into an old dairy in the town of Isokyrö and in 2014 the stills were first heated. In the years since the launch, Kyrö has been showered with awards.

They now produce an array of libations including gin, cream liqueur and various experimental small batch expressions under the ‘Study’ label – the latest of which is a crystal clear ‘Smoke and Rye’.

Speaking of labels – when the Kyrö distillery was founded, Helsinki-based designers Werklig studied engravings from a memorial to the 1714 Battle of Napue and used their findings to design a typeface for the Kyrö brand.

Although whiskey was always at the centre of the business, Kyrö began with selling gin as regulations dictate that whiskey must be matured for at least three years. Their flagship Napue gin is a must try for any G&T lover.

The company has built a reputation for the cleanliness of their spirits. This isn’t in a hygienic sense but more in reference to their purity.

The Kyrö gin range in particular is testament to this cleanliness. This clean character that underpins Kyrö’s spirits is owing in large part to the freshness of the water used in the process, it is an admirable quality that is best understood simply by sipping – you’ll know from that first taste.

The nose of the No.8 is gentle and characterised by an ultra-smooth honey that wraps around the peppery rye, dulling the edges.

The palate is also smooth, with a creamy orange spine slaloming about a defiantly punchy pepper. Orchard fruits are also in the mix and provide a welcomingly sweet backdrop. The finish is gentle with butter and vanilla dominating.

The perfect pour

This is an easily sipped whiskey but makes a delicious table drink when diluted, we really need to normalise whiskey with water – if it was good enough for the late, great Dave Allen, then it’s good enough for us.

Available from:
The Whisky Exchange (£61.95)
Master of Malt (£67.95)

More on whisky

The best rye whiskey
The best Japanese whisky
The best whisky to buy as a gift
The best bourbon whiskey
The best craft whisky
The best Scotch whisky
The best Irish whiskey
The best whisky cocktail recipes

Are you a fan of rye whiskey? Share your product suggestions below...

This review was last updated in June 2020. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.