Finland takes a step ahead in Rum

[Mika J]

Hello all,

Should the occasional rum connoisseur happen to pop over to Finland for a visit, I would have some good news to him / her.

A few weeks ago the first bottles of Bristol Spirits' Classic Rum Selection arrived finally to Finland!!! They are now available in selected bars in the capital (Helsinki) area at least. I personally sampled 3 different kinds at "Vanha BeerCafe" last week.

Finland has long been somewhat of a "3rd World of Rum", partly due to strict regulations concerning alcohol sales & importation, partly because rum is not yet generally realized to be anything more than "the alcohol that one mixes with coke". I am however delighted to say the first steps in changing all this have now been taken.

Bristol Spirits bottles small batches of rum brought to UK and matured there, many of these rums are true rarities from already silent stills & distilleries. Diamond Brewing Company now imports them to Finland.

I for one, being the Rum connoisseur I am, am HAPPY HAPPY!!! Now if only someone would start bringing in Appleton / Angostura / Mt. Gay / Doorly's / El Dorado...!

Sincerely,

Mika

mika.jansson@nokia.com

[Ed Hamilton]

I would consider Finland to be third world, maybe just a little behind in rum selection. No doubt more rums will follow the lead and judging from the email and this discussion forum there are a number of rum drinkers in the cold north.

[Mika J]

Hello Ed et al,

What can I say - Finland has had a truly despicable selection of rum until very recently, and in fact continues to have in the retail sales business. Only in the restaurants / bars can one get a fair selection nowadays.

Rum matusalem 15 yo was available for a while, it is a delightful rum. Havana Club 7 yo is available and is a fine rum no doubt. In previous years, some older Martinique rums have also been present in the selections of our rumwise blissfully ignorant national alcohol retail monopoly, but thats unfortunately about it. Thus the nickname "3rd world of rum"..! ;-)

Traditionally I would regard Finland as a cognac country, when it comes to finer spirits. Malt Whisky has lifted its head here in recent years to some degree, but as a nation of only 5+ million citizens, the market is admittedly small. Furthermore, alcohol taxation amongst the highest in the world makes sure not everyone can afford the finer spirits - the price of an ordinary 0,7 litre bottle of Bacardi is nothing short of 40 US dollars, just to give you an example. I do hope that things will change sooner than later!

Sincerely,

Mika J

mika.jansson@nokia.com

[Kristian]

Mika: Ron Matusalem 15 yo is still available, as is Havana Club 7 yo, in Finland. They are both on the special order list, however, so not every retail store will have them on the shelf. For example, in Hameenlinna, they are not available in the store in the centre of the city, but they can both be found at the retail store near to the great supermarkets just outside the centre. Just ask for 'the special order folder' that should be present at every retail store (Alko, that is, since they've got the monopoly in Finland).

Unfortunately, I've yet to encounter any good rums in Hameenlinna bars... And taking the train to go to bars in Helsinki to have a taste would be quite.. eh.. an unconventional idea on how to spend a night.

[Mika J]

Hello Kristian,

If you know any potentially interested bars & night clubs in Hameenlinna (for example any salsa-bars there?) who would perhaps like to add some excellent rums to their selection, I am more than happy to give out the contact-details for Diamond Brewing Co. who now import the Bristol Spirits selection.

Should you ever decide to venture into Helsinki area (c'mon, its only about 100 km..?), I would recommend a stop at Vanha at least - and the American Bar of Torni Hotel. They are conveniently close to each other as well, on opposite sides of Mannerheimintie! :-) I will also let you know when next I will be hosting some rum tasting, you are most welcome to join the occasion.

Br,

Mika

mika.jansson@nokia.com

[Kristian]

I will also let you know when next I will be hosting some rum tasting, you are most welcome to join the occasion.

The invitation is most appreciated!

I will look onto prospective bars and report back to you, when I know something more...