Koskenkorva Salmiakki

Koskenkorva Salmiakki is a black, 30% ABV liqueur made by combining vodka distilled in the Finnish village of Koskenkorva with salmiakki, Scandinavia's beloved salty liquorice sweet. It is one of the best-known products from the brand, which belongs to the Anora Group.

The story of Salmiakki

According to the producer, when the liqueur launched in the Finnish market in 1990 it sold so well that the state monopoly briefly halted its sale. The liqueur returned to shelves in 1995 at a lower alcohol content, and has since become one of Finland's best-known liqueurs.

What does Koskenkorva Salmiakki taste like?

The producer sums up the taste as a rich, full-bodied salty liquorice. According to Alko's tasting profile, the black-coloured liqueur is warm, sweet and full-bodied; the dominant note is the salmiak character reminiscent of salty liquorice sweets flavoured with ammonium chloride.

How is it served?

The most common way to drink it is well chilled, served in a shot glass. The producer states that its sweet-salty balance also works well with hot chocolate and milk-based drinks; the Black & White Russian, made with coffee liqueur and oat milk, is one such example.

What food does it pair with?

Liquorice's intense taste creates a fitting contrast with bitter chocolate desserts. A chilled shot can also be served alongside toasted nuts, or as an after-dinner liqueur following a chocolate dessert.