Finnish beverage group Altia has opened O.P. Anderson Distillery in Sundsvall, Sweden.

All of Altia's aquavit production will be shifted to this distillery, including the firm’s flagship O.P. Anderson aquavit and Swedish classics Gammal Norrlands aquavit, Skåne aquavit, and Hallands Fläder.

Altia's master blender Jonas Odland was quoted by Drinksint.com as saying: “Gathering everything in one place is a great advantage in terms of experimentation. Here we can experiment with new flavours and invest in creativity and innovation.”

The distillery is being operated in collaboration with the pharmaceutical company Unimedic, which will undertake spice distillation, extraction, blending, and maturation activities.

"Here we can experiment with new flavours and invest in creativity and innovation."

Odland said: “They feel strongly about our products in Sundsvall. For Swedish aquavit, it is like coming home. In the past Swedish spirits were produced here, including our flavored spirits.

“The heart of production is our three distillation pots. We have acquired real copper pots, which were central to the original method for making aquavit. Previously we used stainless steel pots but now we have chosen to return to traditional methods instead.

"The challenge for me as master blender has consisted of getting the spiced spirits to taste the same with this equipment as with the old equipment.”

Altia produces, markets, sells, imports, and exports alcoholic beverages. Its own brands include Chill Out, O.P. Anderson, Koskenkorva and Blossa.