Authentic Danish Whisky

The Danish Whiskymanifesto

Danish whisky is built on craftsmanship, quality, and transparency. The Danish Whiskymanifesto is a shared commitment by leading Danish distilleries to define and uphold the highest standards for whisky made in Denmark. It ensures that Danish whisky remains rooted in local ingredients, traditional craftsmanship, and sustainable production—while embracing innovation.

KEY VALUES: Origin | Transparency | Re-thinking tradition

OUR VISION FOR DANISH WHISKY

Danish Whisky is born from inspiration, passion and a sense of place. Shaped by our Danish values and traditions with a desire to create something genuine. To Danish Whisky makers, the rich traditions and history of whisky are a profound inspiration, never a burden. Danish whisky is its own.

We aim to make whisky from what is inherently Danish: Our pure water and an abundant supply of quality cereals from our farmlands. We adhere to the strong Danish tradition for craftsmanship and transparency in all aspects of our production and for setting high standards for sustainability.  

Just as whisky can unite and bring people together, Danish distillers should do the same, with strong ties to the community around us. We strive to inspire, create local jobs, and attract visitors from around the world.

Danish distillers work together in building and strengthening the supply chain for Danish whisky from field to bottle and into the market. We aim to create value and growth throughout the value chain in collaboration with the businesses around us.

We aim to create businesses that are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable. Making whisky leaves a footprint. It requires resources and land. Denmark is a traditional grain farming nation with high environmental, social and governmental standards and a high level of green energy production. We all benefit from that and commit to making sustainable choices when we can: From using local Danish raw materials and practicing responsible and green energy consumption, to finding usage for the by-products of the process wherever we can.

We cultivate transparency from field to bottle.

PRINCIPLES FOR DANISH WHISKY

Danish whisky must be mashed, fermented, and distilled in Denmark

Danish whisky must age for at least three years in Denmark

Danish whisky is made from Danish cereals – if not, it must be clearly stated

All cereals, malted or unmalted, may be used

Different types of distillation equipment may be used

Various types of wood may be used in cask maturation

The addition of colorants, flavorings, or sweeteners is not allowed

The signatories of The Danish Whisky Manifesto are committed to work to protect and develop Danish whisky as a category of the highest standards in accordance with the above principles.

The Danish distillers’ proprietary ‘Danish Whisky’ seal can be used only on products that comply with the above principles for Danish whisky.

From 1/1/2030 all Danish whisky must be distilled 100% from cereals of certified Danish origin – or – if cereals with other origins are used it must be stated clearly on the label of the product when bottled as “Danish whisky”.

Danish single malt whisky must be distilled from a mash of 100 percent malted barley. Danish rye whisky, wheat whisky, oat whisky etc. must be distilled from a mash consisting of at least 51 percent of the specified grain.

SIGNATORIES TO THIS AGREEMENT

  1. Copenhagen Distillery
  2. Fary Lochan
  3. Knaplund Destilleri
  4. Nordisk Brænderi
  5. Nyborg Destilleri
  6. Sall Whisky
  7. Stauning Whisky
  8. Thornæs Destilleri
  9. Thy Whisky Distillery
  10. Ærø Whisky