Danish Whisky: Stauning Whisky's Global Journey: Craft, Growth, and Future

🎙️ Whisky.dk Podcast – Stauning Whisky and Distill Ventures: A Danish Distillery in Global Transition

Welcome to the Whisky.dk ai Podcast, where today we dive into the story of Stauning Whisky and its journey from a passionate local project to an internationally recognized distillery — and how its partnership with Diageo’s subsidiary, Distill Ventures, helped shape that evolution.

Back in 2015, Stauning Whisky became part of Distill Ventures, an accelerator and investment platform created by Diageo to support independent spirits brands with high potential. The goal was clear: to provide access to funding, strategic guidance, and global networks — without taking creative control away from the producers.

For Stauning, the investment marked a major turning point. It enabled the construction of a new, award-winning distillery in Stauning, with the capacity to produce up to 900,000 liters of whisky annually. It also opened doors to export markets like the US, UK, and Japan, while giving the team access to international expertise in branding and distribution.

What makes Distill Ventures unique is its hands-off approach to creativity. Stauning was able to maintain its terroir-driven philosophy — floor-malting local grain, using direct fire-heated copper pot stills, and sourcing ingredients from nearby farms — all while scaling up globally.

But in 2025, things changed. Diageo announced its withdrawal from Distill Ventures as part of a broader strategic shift. For Stauning, this meant the end of direct support from the world’s largest spirits company. According to industry sources, the move has already led to:

• A reduction in export activities, especially in the US
• Downsizing of staff, primarily in sales and marketing
• A renewed focus on core products and the European market

Despite the uncertainty, Stauning remains a strong player. The distillery has built a loyal customer base and a reputation for quality and innovation. Their experimental Research Series and classic expressions like Rye and Peated continue to impress critics and consumers alike.

So what’s next? Stauning now enters a new chapter — one where they must prove they can thrive independently. With their passion, craftsmanship, and compelling story, they have every reason to succeed.

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At Whisky.dk, we strive to become Denmark's top destination for whisky enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled selection of whisky, whiskey, and bourbon. Our collection includes both original bottlings and a vast range from independent bottlers such as Signatory, Blackadder, Adelphi etc

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With over 20 years of expertise in the whisky industry, including organizing Denmark’s largest whisky event, Whiskymessen, we bring the world’s finest whiskies and rums right to your door. Whether you're a connoisseur or just starting your whisky journey, Whisky.dk offers the best selection, expert guidance, and top-notch service to elevate your experience.

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