DISCOVER STAUNING WHISKY - DENMARK'S FINEST SINGLE MALT CRAFTED ON THE WEST COAST OF DENMARK
Stauning whisky represents Denmark's pioneering approach to single malt. Founded in 2005 by nine friends - a chef, doctor, teacher, helicopter pilot, butcher, and four engineers - Stauning Distillery has become Denmark's leading whisky producer. What started as a shared passion for Danish whisky has grown into an award-winning distillery that challenges whisky norms with traditional floor malting and unique heather peat smoking.
Hailing from the West Coast of Denmark, Stauning Distillery is in the village of Stauning…
…situated amongst moorlands, farmers’ fields and a stone's throw from the coast.
Their whisky reflects their landscape - local barley, local peat, local heather for smoking, and all made and matured on site. A 100% Danish distillery, creating a 100% Danish Whisky.
The new distillery building, opened in 2018, stands majestic and almost other-worldly in contrast to the fields around them; yet strangely completely fitting to the landscape and style of architecture that Denmark is known for. As Denmark’s first purpose-built distillery, its creation enabled production to increase 10-fold, a good thing as their whisky has been winning awards and praises since launch in 2011.
Now before we go into why Stauning tastes the way it does, you need to remember that there were 4 engineers within the founder's fold.
Throughout the distillery we were met with ‘We adapted this piece of machinery from another industry’ ‘We designed this’ etc…From a mash-tun that’s a re-jigged storm sewer strainer to their floor malting equipment that was designed specifically by them, for them, and of course, their unique direct-fired still design; the creation of their whisky is unique in every way possible and 100% bespoke to them.
Every time they were at a flavour ‘decision point’ and could’ve gone down a more traditional production route they asked themselves ‘Why would we do that? How do we actually create a new Nordic style of whisky?’
They malt 100% of their grain on their own malting floor - a feat that only eight distilleries do in Scotland.
And within those eight some will only partially malt their barley as - let’s face it - it’s a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. These days the majority of distilleries use commercial malting houses, malting grain to their specification. So why do it yourself? There’s the saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’; they’ve malted their own since the beginning and it gives them full control of their grain and the ability to malt to their specifications.
Twenty-four copper pot stills. We’ll let that sink in for a second. Twenty. Four. At a distillery with a production capacity of 900,000l. And for reference on how small they are…The Glenlivet has twenty-eight stills in total - with a total capacity of 21 million litres! Also, all these stills are direct fired which creates a Maillard reaction in the still, a reaction that happens when you’re BBQ-ing steak to create that crispy outside layer - and also one that in this instance creates a chocolate, caramel, decadent nuttiness note in the final spirit.
This spirit character is then carefully preserved in their on-site warehouses, delicately ageing through the cold winters and moderate summers. And if you keep your eyes peeled you’ll find a secret bar in between stacks of barrels. Our dream bar!
HEADING TO DENMARK?
Our guide to Denmark when visiting Stauning Distillery. Tried and tested, our favourite bars, restaurants, coffee shops and cool things to do. Enjoy!
SHOP STAUNING WHISKY FROM THE HEART
#01 Stauning Whisky
Danish Single Malt | Ex Bourbon finished in a Madeira Cask | 52% ABV
A heather-smoked single malt where coastal smoke meets dessert-rich sweetness. Think beach bonfires, sticky toffee pudding and a soft Madeira glow.
#01 Stauning Whisky
Danish Single Malt | Ex Bourbon finished in a Madeira Cask | 52% ABV
A heather-smoked single malt where coastal smoke meets dessert-rich sweetness. Think beach bonfires, sticky toffee pudding and a soft Madeira glow.
Pocket Pour (3cl)
Why Buy Stauning Whisky from The Heart Cut?
As the World's Best Independent Bottler (2024 & 2025), we worked directly with the Stauning Distillery to bring you an exclusive single cask release. This release was carefully selected by our team, and we provide detailed tasting notes and background for each release. Plus, enjoy free UK delivery on your first order when you join the Slow Whisky Club.
Stauning Whisky: Your Questions Answered
What makes Stauning whisky special?
Stauning whisky is 100% Danish - made with local barley, local peat, and local heather. The distillery floor malts all their own grain and uses 24 direct-fired copper pot stills, creating a unique chocolate and caramel character. Their innovative approach combines traditional methods with modern Danish design.
How much does Stauning whisky cost?
Stauning whisky typically ranges from £60-£90 depending on the expression and cask type. The Heart Cut offers exclusive single cask releases from Stauning Distillery with free delivery on your first order when you join the Slow Whisky Club.
Where can I buy Stauning whisky?
You can buy Stauning whisky directly from The Heart Cut. As the World's Best Independent Bottler, we offer exclusive single cask releases and limited editions of Danish whisky with free UK delivery on your first order.
What does Stauning whisky taste like?
Stauning whisky is known for its sweet and smoky character with notes of toffee, chocolate, caramel, and heather smoke. The direct-fired stills create a Maillard reaction that adds rich, nutty depth. Each expression offers something unique, from the triple malt KAOS to the smooth fruity Rye.
Is Danish whisky any good?
Yes! Danish whisky, particularly from Stauning Distillery, has won multiple international awards. Stauning pioneered the Danish whisky movement and is recognized as one of Europe's most innovative distilleries, combining traditional floor malting with modern techniques.
Who founded Stauning Distillery?
Stauning Distillery was founded in 2005 by nine friends: a chef, doctor, teacher, helicopter pilot, butcher, and four engineers. Their shared passion for whisky and 'why not' attitude led them to create Denmark's first purpose-built whisky distillery.
Can you visit Stauning Distillery?
Yes! Stauning Distillery offers tours at their stunning modern facility on Denmark's west coast. The distillery features 24 copper pot stills, traditional floor malting, and even a secret bar hidden between barrel stacks. Check their website for tour bookings.
