Loimu Christmas Glogi 2016

Loimu Glögi 2016 is more than a drink, it is a holiday experience.

Lignell & Piispanen are arguably the finest distillers in Finland. They claim to be “Artisans of Arctic Luxury Liqueurs” and it is hard to argue with that professionally-crafted marketing tag line. They have been around since 1852, when their great-great-great-grandfather Gustav Ranin started the family business by purchasing the Crown Distillery, founded in 1783 in the city of Kuopio by King Gustav III of Sweden.

Their products include the Gustav Vodka range, the seasonal Loimu Glögi, Lakka and Mesi dessert Wines, and several other spirits. But they only export 30% of their production out of Scandinavia, so you will not find their premium products everywhere.

In Finland, Christmas just ain’t Christmas without Glögi. People have been mulling wine as long as there has been wine. We are talking millennia here. Glögi is the particular version of this seasonal treat from Finland, and it can be served either hot or cold—but hot is awesome! Really, Glögi is more than a drink, it is a holiday experience. The aroma of the rich, flavorful wine warming on the stove fills the house with a homey cheer, and the pleasant taste of Christmas spices (and alcohol) keep the party going long into the night.

Loimu tweaks the recipe each year to keep things fresh and special, and 2016 is no exception. This year’s edition—Loimu Christmas Glögi 2016—is a warming mix of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon red wine from South Africa, perfectly married with Christmas spices and red and dark berries. Warm up a batch of Glögi before Cousin Frank breaks into his medley of Mariah Carey holiday ballads … your guests will thank you. Kippis!