Danish whiskey Stauning launches in Illinois

Stauning, the award-winning Danish whisky, is launching in Illinois. Chicago Star Media was invited to an exclusive tasting and listening session with founder Alex Munch at BIÂN Chicago, located at 600 West Chicago Avenue. We had the opportunity to learn about their unique rye whisky portfolio and distillery practices. Alex shared inside stories about the start of Stauning and how his wife’s request for him to find a hobby turned into a whiskey brand.

Alex Munch invited small groups of ten people into the listening room at BIÂN, the most incredible soundproof record lounge I’ve ever sat in. The intimate conversation included stories about Stauning. We learned nine friends launched the brand with a passion for whisky. Each of the founders came from different backgrounds. The group included four engineers, a helicopter pilot, a doctor, a teacher, a chef, and a butcher. Quite frankly, this is exactly the sort of well-rounded group you’d expect to open a whisky distillery.

This group wanted to push the boundaries regarding whisky making by creating a whisky reflective of their heritage with a distinct Danish character. The whiskies come to life with local grain floor malted in-house at the distillery on the Danish West Coast. Distillation occurs in 24 small copper pot stills, which are direct-fired to create complex flavors, adding weight and character to the whiskies.

Stauning Whisky chose to launch in Illinois because of its historical and cultural ties to Denmark, plus Chicago is home to many Danish-Americans. Alex Munch, co-founder of Stauning, shares in a press release from Stauning, "Chicago is not just a city; it's a tapestry of history, culture, and innovation that resonates deeply with our Danish roots. As we introduce Stauning Whisky to this magnificent city, it feels like a homecoming. We're not just sharing our rye; we're blending our stories, passions, and traditions with the rich legacy of Chicago. We couldn't be happier to embark on this journey here."

To learn more about Stauning Whisky, visit stauningwhisky.com