Sall Whisky distillery

Introduction to Sall Whisky

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Sall Whisky is a Danish micro-distillery nestled in the picturesque countryside of Sall, near Aarhus in Jutland, Denmark. Despite its modest size, this artisanal distillery has quickly established itself as a beacon of innovation in Nordic whisky-making, combining traditional Scottish methods with distinctly Danish character and terroir.

The distillery prides itself on a field-to-bottle philosophy, creating whiskies that truly reflect the Danish landscape and agricultural heritage.

Why we have a soft spot for Sall Whisky

At Vault of Spirits, we cherish distilleries that embrace local identity while respecting time-honored traditions, and Sall Whisky exemplifies this perfectly. Their commitment to using exclusively Danish-grown barley, including heritage varieties, creates a whisky with a genuine sense of place.

What particularly captivates us is their transparent approach to whisky-making, allowing enthusiasts to follow the journey from soil to spirit, and their willingness to be patient – giving their whisky exactly the time it needs to reach its full potential.

The History Behind Sall Whisky

Origin and development

Sall Whisky was founded in 2017 by Thomas Øster and Nicolai Mortensen, two friends with a shared vision of crafting authentic Danish whisky. Their journey began with a simple but ambitious goal: to create a world-class single malt whisky with a distinctly Danish character, using local ingredients and sustainable practices.

The distillery started small but with meticulous attention to every detail, from selecting the right barley varieties to designing their custom-made copper pot stills. They released their first whisky in 2021, after patient maturation, and have since been gaining recognition both in Denmark and internationally.

The people behind

At the heart of Sall Whisky are co-founders Thomas and Nicolai, whose complementary skills and shared passion drive the distillery forward. Thomas brings agricultural expertise and an intimate knowledge of barley cultivation, while Nicolai contributes his technical acumen and creative approach to distillation.

Together with a small, dedicated team, they oversee every aspect of production – from planting and harvesting to distilling and maturation – ensuring that each drop of Sall Whisky embodies their uncompromising standards.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

The journey of Sall Whisky begins in the fertile fields surrounding the distillery, where they grow their own barley, including heritage varieties that add complexity and character to their whisky. All barley is organically farmed, respecting both tradition and the environment.

The malting process is carried out in collaboration with local maltsters, preserving regional techniques. Fermentation is slow and purposeful, using a combination of traditional brewer’s yeast and wild yeasts native to the area, creating a distinct flavor profile before distillation.

Distillation takes place in handcrafted copper pot stills, designed specifically to produce Sall’s desired spirit character – robust yet elegant, with pronounced cereal notes and subtle fruity esters.

Maturation and aging

Sall Whisky matures its spirit in a thoughtfully curated selection of casks, including ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and – most distinctively – casks that previously held Danish wine, fruit wines, and aquavit. This creates a maturation profile that’s uniquely Nordic while respecting whisky traditions.

The distillery’s warehouse experiences the full range of Denmark’s seasonal climate variations, allowing for a dynamic maturation process that imparts depth and nuance to the whisky. Many of their releases are single cask expressions, offering enthusiasts a chance to experience the diverse character of each individual barrel.

Selected Products from Sall Whisky

Sall Single Malt – An introduction to the house style

This flagship release perfectly captures the distillery’s house style. Matured primarily in ex-bourbon casks, it offers notes of freshly baked bread, orchard fruits, honey, and a subtle hint of coastal air. Its creamy mouthfeel and gentle spice finish make it approachable yet complex enough to intrigue experienced whisky drinkers.

Sall Nordic Cask Series – An experience for connoisseurs

This limited series showcases the innovative spirit of Sall Whisky. Each release features maturation in casks with distinctive Nordic heritage – from Danish apple wine barrels to Swedish oak and Icelandic birch-infused casks. Expect bold flavor profiles with unexpected notes like wildflowers, berries, aromatic woods, and subtle herbal elements – a true exploration of Nordic terroir through whisky.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Sall Whisky welcomes visitors to experience their whisky-making philosophy firsthand. Their guided tours take you through the entire process, from the barley fields to the still house and warehouse. The subsequent tasting typically includes 3-5 expressions, including some distillery exclusives not available elsewhere.

For dedicated enthusiasts, they also offer masterclasses and the opportunity to fill your own bottle directly from selected casks – a truly personal whisky experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sall Whisky?

Sall Whisky is a Danish micro-distillery producing artisanal single malt whisky with a focus on local ingredients, sustainable practices, and distinctly Nordic character. Their approach combines Scottish whisky-making traditions with Danish agricultural heritage to create spirits that reflect their unique terroir.

Where is Sall Whisky located?

The distillery is located in the small village of Sall in central Jutland, Denmark. The surrounding countryside provides both the barley for their whisky and the natural environment that influences its maturation.

What characterizes Sall Whisky?

Sall Whisky is distinguished by its field-to-bottle approach, using exclusively Danish-grown barley, including heritage varieties. Their whiskies typically feature pronounced cereal notes, complemented by orchard fruits and honey sweetness, with subtle coastal influences. The use of Nordic wood for some of their casks adds unique regional character to select expressions.

Where can I buy whisky from Sall Whisky?

You can find selected bottles from Sall Whisky at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their releases, including both their core expressions and limited single cask bottlings, ensuring you have access to these distinctive Danish whiskies.