First Impressions
The Helsinki Distilling Company brought distilling back to Finland's capital. Their Dry Gin showcases nine hand-picked botanicals including Finnish lingonberries — the small, tart red berries that carpet Nordic forests and have been gathered by Finnish families for centuries. Combined with rich Balkan juniper, Seville orange and lemon peels, fennel and coriander seeds, orris and angelica root, and rose petals, then blended with pure Finnish water, this gin captures both Helsinki's urban sophistication and Finland's wild Nordic landscape.
Tasting
The nose is sherbet lemon with fresh juniper crispness, hints of berry, cardamom and rosemary — Nordic forest character with the lingonberry adding tart brightness. On the palate, full-bodied and balanced: Balkan juniper provides backbone, lingonberry adds tartness, Seville orange and lemon bring citrus, fennel and coriander contribute spice, rose petals add floral elegance. At 47% it has serious structure. The finish is sweet anise from the fennel, lingonberry tartness lingering, clean and Nordic.
The Bottom Line
Helsinki Dry earns a 7 — Best Finnish Gin at World Gin Awards 2016 and Spirit of the Year at Destille Berlin confirms its quality. The lingonberry provides a tart berry dimension that is distinctly Nordic — not sweet like blueberry, but bright and acidic. The rose petals are a delicate touch that elevates this above heavier Nordic gins. Best with a premium tonic and a few frozen lingonberries, or sipped alongside an espresso like grappa — a serving suggestion from the distillery that sounds eccentric but works brilliantly.
