Ærø Whisky Distillery
Island-crafted single malt whisky with complete grain traceability and legendary local oak maturation.
A boutique whisky distillery nestled in the heart of Ærøskøbing on Denmark's idyllic island of Ærø, housed in a restored 18th-century wash house. This micro-distillery crafts single malt whisky using locally-grown barley with complete traceability from individual fields, matured in oak casks including rare wood from a legendary Ærø oak tree. Visitors can explore the production process, meet passionate distillers, and taste handcrafted spirits in a charming visitor centre.
A brief summary to Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
- Torvet 5, Ærøskøbing, 5970, DK
- +4551968061
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Book tours and tastings in advance during high season (May–September), as the distillery operates on a limited schedule and group sizes are kept small to maintain the intimate experience.
- Visit during the extended opening season (April–September) for guaranteed access; outside these months, visits are by appointment only, requiring prior contact with the distillery.
- Ask your guide about the specific field origins of the barley used in each whisky—this traceability story is unique to Ærø and adds depth to the tasting experience.
- Combine your visit with exploration of Ærøskøbing's charming harbour, galleries, and local restaurants to make a full day of island culture and gastronomy.
- Purchase bottles directly from the distillery to support the small-batch producers and access limited releases not widely distributed beyond the island.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Ferry from Søby (Ærø)
If already on Ærø, local buses and taxis serve Ærøskøbing town centre from Søby ferry terminal approximately 30 minutes away. Alternatively, rent a bicycle or car for the scenic drive across the island. The distillery is centrally located on Torvet square, easily walkable from the harbour.
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Ferry from Fåborg (Funen)
Take the Fåborg–Søby ferry (approximately 50 minutes crossing). Upon arrival at Søby, arrange onward transport to Ærøskøbing town centre via local taxi, bus, or rental vehicle (approximately 30 minutes). Ferry tickets cost around 80–120 DKK per person one-way. The distillery is a short walk from the town centre.
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Car via Ærøskøbing Bridge and ferry
Drive to Søby on Ærø via the Ærøskøbing Bridge from Funen, then take the Søby–Fåborg ferry return route, or drive via Ærøskøbing town directly. Parking is available near Torvet square in the town centre. Ferry costs approximately 150–250 DKK for a car plus passengers. Driving time from Odense is approximately 90 minutes including ferry.
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Bicycle from Ærøskøbing harbour
Rent a bicycle in Ærøskøbing (widely available from local shops and accommodation providers). The distillery is located on Torvet in the town centre, approximately 5–10 minutes cycling from the harbour. Ærø is renowned for cycling tourism with flat terrain and scenic coastal routes.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
Island Craft and Local Heritage
Ærø Whisky represents a modern revival of traditional Danish craftsmanship, housed within the historic wash house of Den Gamle Købmandsgård (the Old Merchant's Court) in central Ærøskøbing. The distillery's commitment to locality runs deep: every bottle of whisky is made from barley grown directly on the island of Ærø, with meticulous documentation of which fields supplied the grain for each batch. This level of traceability is extraordinarily rare in whisky production and reflects the distillery's philosophy of creating spirits that embody the essence of their island home. The operation collaborates with local partners including Refsvindinge's historical smoke malting plant and Kølster's organic malting facility, weaving together centuries of Danish agricultural tradition with contemporary distilling expertise.The Art of Malting and Distillation
The production process at Ærø Whisky begins with ecological barley malted on the distillery's own malting floor, a rare practice that gives the distillery complete control over this crucial first stage. The wort is brewed gently in their own brewery, then subjected to double distillation in a closed circuit system designed to capture the finest spirit. This meticulous approach yields a single malt whisky characterised by gentle, rounded flavours with no smokiness—a distinctive profile that sets it apart from many Scottish and international counterparts. The distillery's commitment to quality over quantity means production remains deliberately modest, allowing for the exceptional attention to detail that defines each release.Wood, Time, and Flavour Development
Maturation is where Ærø Whisky's philosophy becomes truly distinctive. The distillery employs a carefully curated selection of oak vessels: new Hungarian oak, new American oak, former sherry casks, and most remarkably, casks crafted from a legendary oak tree that once stood in Ærøskøbing. This rare local oak imparts unique character to a small exclusive batch, creating a whisky that is literally rooted in the island's landscape. The use of oak that is typically 100 years old before being suitable for cask construction underscores the patience and long-term vision required in whisky production. Each cask choice influences the final flavour profile, resulting in a varied palette of tasting notes that reflect both the distillery's expertise and the natural character of Ærø's terroir.The Visitor Experience
The distillery welcomes visitors to its intimate setting in the heart of Ærøskøbing, where a dedicated visitor centre provides insight into the whisky-making process. Guided tours take guests through the historic wash house, revealing the copper stills, malting floor, and maturation areas while distillers share their passion for the craft. Every tour includes a tasting of two handmade products, allowing visitors to experience the subtle complexity of Ærø Whisky firsthand. The experience is designed to be personal and educational rather than industrial, reflecting the distillery's small-batch ethos and commitment to meaningful engagement with those who appreciate their work.A Taste of Nordic Terroir
What distinguishes Ærø Whisky in the broader context of Scandinavian spirits production is its unwavering focus on local ingredients and transparent provenance. Unlike many whisky producers who source barley from multiple regions or countries, Ærø Whisky's single-origin approach creates a direct connection between the island's agricultural heritage and the final spirit. The gentle, round character of the whisky—free from smoke and heavy peat notes—reflects both the quality of Ærø barley and the distillery's refined distillation philosophy. This is whisky that tastes of place, season, and the hands that crafted it, embodying the growing movement toward terroir-driven spirits production in Northern Europe.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Danish Island Weddings
0.0 km
Experience the magic of weddings on the enchanting Danish island of Ærø, where love meets scenic beauty and unforgettable memories are made.
På Torvet
0.0 km
Experience the unique charm of På Torvet in Ærøskøbing, where historic beauty meets modern comfort in the heart of Denmark.
Andelen Guesthouse
0.1 km
Discover the charm of Ærøskøbing at Andelen Guesthouse, your cozy retreat in the heart of Denmark's picturesque island.
Hotel Ærøhus
0.2 km
Historic hotel in the heart of Ærøskøbing known for its authentic Danish charm, lush gardens, and local island cuisine—a perfect base for exploring Ærø.
Ærøfærgerne
0.3 km
Experience the scenic ferry ride to Ærø Island via Ærøfærgerne, where Danish charm meets breathtaking coastal views.
Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps
0.3 km
Discover the sweet artistry of traditional Danish liquorice at Hattesens Konfektfabrik Aps in scenic Ærøskøbing.
Ærø Turist & Erhverv
0.3 km
Explore the beautiful island of Ærø with expert insights and resources from Ærø Turist & Erhverv, your local tourist information center.
Rise Kirke
3.9 km
A quietly beautiful 12th‑century countryside church on Ærø, where whitewashed walls, historic graves and open fields tell the island’s rural and seafaring story.
Forladt skorsten
5.9 km
A haunting brick ruin marking Ærø's vanished industrial era, standing silent on the island's edge.
Bregninge Kirke
6.5 km
Medieval island church on a gentle Ærø hillside, where whitewashed stone, quiet fields and seafaring stories meet in a calm, contemplative setting.
Monument for Danske Sømænd
7.9 km
A modest harbourfront memorial in Marstal that quietly honours generations of Danish sailors who left this island port and never returned from the sea.
Langdyssen "Kong Humbles Grav"
19.9 km
A 55‑metre Stone Age long dolmen in the fields north of Humble, where legend, prehistoric engineering and soft Langeland landscapes meet in quiet simplicity.
Saint Nicolai's Church
22.8 km
Svendborg’s oldest church and a quiet seafaring sanctuary, where red-brick medieval walls and a calm, whitewashed interior meet just off lively Gerritsgade.
Hafenbune Mommark
23.8 km
Discover the laid-back maritime allure and coastal serenity of Hafenbune Mommark, a historic harbour hub on the southeast shores of scenic Als, Sønderjylland.
Hulbjerg | Burial site from the Peasant Stone Age
24.5 km
Explore Hulbjerg Passage Grave on Langeland, a fascinating Neolithic burial site offering a unique glimpse into Denmark's prehistoric past and the lives of the Funnelbeaker culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hammerich House • Aero Museum
0.1 km
A collector's cabinet of curiosities in a half-timbered cottage, brimming with antiques and artistic treasures.
Ærøskøbing Church
0.1 km
An 18th‑century island church with medieval roots, blue maritime pews and hanging model ships, offering a quiet window into Ærø’s seafaring soul.
Ærøskøbing Bymuseum • Ærø Museum
0.1 km
A 1775 sheriff's house revealing Ærø's maritime heritage and border-crossing history.
Flaske-Peters Samling
0.2 km
An intimate maritime museum in Ærøskøbing’s old poorhouse, filled with Flaske-Peter’s extraordinary ships in bottles and miniature seafaring worlds in glass.
Ærø Jazzfestival
0.3 km
An intimate summer jazz festival in an old island shipyard, where harbour history, Nordic light and live music blend into long, atmospheric nights.
Det Gamle Værft
0.3 km
A working harbor shipyard turned hands-on maritime hub, where traditional crafts, nautical style, and Ærø’s seafaring heritage come together by the quayside.
Naturlegepladsen & shelters
0.7 km
A modest island playground and shelter spot on Ærø’s edge, blending simple outdoor fun, family-friendly space and back-to-basics overnight stays under open skies.
Badehuse ved Vestre Strandvej
1.2 km
A ribbon of tiny, colourful wooden bath huts on Ærøskøbing’s Vesterstrand, blending living island tradition with one of Ærø’s most scenic, swimmable beaches.
Mindesten for Edvard Biering
3.1 km
A modest roadside memorial on Ærø, honouring district doctor Edvard Biering and offering a quiet glimpse into the island’s everyday history.
Mindesten for Ærøs Samling
3.5 km
Discover Marstal’s colorful beach cabins—historic bathing huts lining the Ærø coast, embodying Danish maritime heritage, island nostalgia, and waterfront charm.
Ærø
3.6 km
Storybook streets, gentle Baltic seascapes and a quietly ambitious island community make Ærø a slow-travel haven in Denmark’s South Funen Archipelago.
Ærø Bryggeri
4.2 km
Craft beer, island heritage, and authentic Danish hospitality in a historic microbrewery.
Ærø Flyveplads
4.7 km
A small grass airfield in Ærø’s countryside, where island tranquillity meets light aircraft, scenic flights and colourful community events under wide open skies.
Strandbyen Havn
5.4 km
Small, scenic marina and beachside hideaway on Ærø’s eastern tip, where simple harbour life, camping and open seascapes meet in a quietly charming setting.
Voderup Klint
5.4 km
Terraced coastal cliffs where Ice Age geology, open sea views and tranquil island farmland meet in one of Ærø’s most distinctive natural landscapes.
Essential places to dine
Cafe På Torvet
0.0 km
Island hospitality and local flavors in Ærøskøbing's beloved main square café.
Restaurant MUMM
0.0 km
Candlelit steaks, fresh Ærø fish and thoughtful vegetarian dishes served in a cosy, long-loved dining room on cobbled Søndergade in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
Hotel The Monica
0.1 km
Experience personalized luxury and island charm at Hotel The Monica in Ærøskøbing.
Den Hemmelige Café
0.1 km
A cosy “secret” café hidden behind a shopfront in fairytale Ærøskøbing, serving quality coffee, home-baked cakes and light lunches wrapped in pure Danish hygge.
Landbogården
0.1 km
Ærø's oldest restaurant since 1919, where homemade Danish cuisine meets warm island hospitality.
Bang’s Mad & Vinbar
0.1 km
Intimate Nordic wine bar serving seasonal small plates in charming Ærøskøbing.
Badehotel Harmonien
0.1 km
Historic 1850s Danish seaside hotel with Baltic views, Italian dining, and waterfront garden in charming Ærøskøbing.
Arnfeldt Hotel & Restaurant
0.2 km
Small, design‑driven island hotel and ambitious restaurant in the cobbled heart of Ærøskøbing, where fairytale streets meet inventive Nordic cooking.
Ærøskøbing Røgeri
0.3 km
Ærø's iconic harbor smokehouse serving freshly prepared smoked fish in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Kraut & Koala
0.3 km
Intimate harbourfront restaurant and wine bar in Ærøskøbing, marrying seasonal island produce with thoughtful European flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
Havnegrillen Ærøskøbing YST
0.4 km
Honest harbor grill where ferries meet food, and Danish classics taste best by the sea.
Vindeballe Kro
3.9 km
Historic yellow island inn from 1888 in Ærø’s quiet countryside, serving hearty Danish cuisine and offering simple, characterful rooms for slow travelers.
Dunkær Kro
4.5 km
Roadside inn, workers’ pub and countryside stop rolled into one, Dunkær Kro serves hearty Danish fare and local atmosphere on the quiet back roads of Ærø.
Restaurant Udsigten Marstal
7.4 km
Coastal Danish cuisine in a cosy seaside hotel setting, with sweeping views over the South Funen Archipelago from dining room, conservatory and terrace.
Hotel Udsigten Marstal
7.4 km
Laid-back waterfront hotel on Ærø where nearly every room faces the Baltic and Marstal’s maritime charm is just a shoreline stroll away.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Den Gamle Købmandsgaard
0.0 km
Historic island grocer and café where Ærøskøbing's maritime heritage meets contemporary artisanal food culture.
Kunstmågen
0.0 km
Artistic supplies and creative workshops in the heart of Ærøskøbing's charming historic square.
Garna
0.0 km
A serene yarn and design boutique in Ærøskøbing’s old savings bank, where natural fibres, thoughtful details and island calm invite you to slow down and create.
Island Living Ærø
0.0 km
A cosy craft, yarn and leather shop on Ærøskøbing’s main square, where Nordic design, island inspiration and tactile materials come together in one intimate space.
Tøjshoppen
0.1 km
Practical island clothing and home textiles in the heart of Ærøskøbing’s cobbled old town, ideal for topping up your wardrobe or holiday cottage essentials.
Blandede Bolcher
0.1 km
A tiny Søndergade shop where antiques, toys and curiosities spill from every corner, offering a nostalgic, treasure-hunt pause in fairytale Ærøskøbing.
Den Gamle Isenkram
0.1 km
Historic boutique blending Danish tradition with contemporary style in Ærøskøbing's charming heart.
Verdens Mindste Stormagasin
0.1 km
A delightfully tiny “world’s smallest department store” in Ærøskøbing, brimming with island-made crafts, nostalgic curiosities and small-town Danish charm.
Gyden 13
0.1 km
A cosy fashion accessories hideaway on a cobbled lane in Ærøskøbing, where retro-inspired pieces and Danish simplicity meet island charm and slow travel.
Ærø Glaskunst
0.1 km
Intimate glass studio, boutique and café on Ærøskøbing’s cobbled Vestergade, where handcrafted Nordic glass art and cozy island hospitality meet.
Ærøskøbing City Museum Kiosk & Bookstore
0.1 km
A cosy little museum shop in Ærøskøbing’s old sheriff’s house, pairing kiosk charm with curated books and souvenirs that tell the story of Ærø island.
Shop
0.1 km
Atmospheric lifestyle and gift shop on Brogade in Ærøskøbing’s old town, blending traditional hardware-store roots with cozy Danish design and island-inspired finds.
Donna & Miss Daisy
0.1 km
Intimate island boutique in Ærøskøbing’s old town, blending whimsical Scandinavian fashion, thoughtful accessories and personal styling in a cosy, cobbled-street setting.
Creutz Boghandel
0.1 km
A historic island bookshop where curated reads, quality toys, stationery and select wines meet old‑fashioned kiosk charm in the heart of Ærøskøbing.
LINEN BY KREBS Ærø
0.1 km
A cosy Ærøskøbing boutique where slow-fashion linen, Danish design and coastal essentials come together in a calm, carefully curated island setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Arrebo
0.3 km
Island pub where locals and visitors gather for live music, cold drinks, and authentic Ærø atmosphere.
Marstal cafe Den Glade Gris
7.5 km
Cozy island bar in Marstal where locals and visitors share beers, stories and a relaxed slice of Ærø everyday life.
Skipperkroen
7.8 km
Cosy skipper’s bar in central Marstal, serving inexpensive drinks and simple fare in a relaxed, maritime small‑town atmosphere close to the harbour.
Foley's Pub
7.8 km
Marstal's maritime pub where live music, local brews, and seafaring tales create authentic island nightlife.
BALLAST BAR BUTIK
7.9 km
Cozy harborfront cocktail bar and woolly boutique in Marstal’s old ferry waiting room, blending inventive drinks, Nordic knitwear and intimate island atmosphere.
Bar & Café MF Egeskov
8.1 km
Cozy harborfront bar and café on Marstal’s working quay, blending maritime atmosphere, dockside views, and relaxed drinks in the spirit of Ærø’s seafaring life.
Rådhuskælderen
10.9 km
Cosy cellar bar in Søby’s former town hall, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere and a low‑key glimpse of everyday life on the island of Ærø.
Havnekiosken 6kanten
19.7 km
Quirky octagonal harbour kiosk turned cosy café-bar, serving simple Danish fare and cold beer with front-row views of Rudkøbing’s boats and Langelandsbroen.
Havnekiosken v/Ole Damgaard Hansen
19.7 km
A tiny historic kiosk-bar on Rudkøbing’s harbor front, serving simple drinks and snacks with big maritime views and the easy rhythm of island harbor life.
Dybendal
19.9 km
Easygoing local bar on Rudkøbing’s main square, blending billiards, darts and drinks with small‑town atmosphere and summer concerts on the cobbled Torvet.
Sukker
19.9 km
Intimate wine bar where Danish heritage meets Nordic sophistication in historic Rudkøbing.
Kasket karl
20.0 km
A classic Rudkøbing bodega where locals gather for cold beer, warm conversation, and an authentic slice of island everyday life from morning to late evening.
No. 10
20.1 km
Cozy, adults‑only lounge bar in a former butcher’s shop, serving Champagne, craft beer and cocktails with island hygge and a colourful courtyard in central Rudkøbing.
Langelands Jazzklub
20.7 km
Tiny island jazz hub in Rudkøbing, blending close-up concerts, seasonal outdoor gigs and decades of Danish jazz heritage in a warm, community-run setting.
Basicbigband
20.7 km
Local big band headquarters in a quiet Rudkøbing neighbourhood, where brass, reeds and rhythm bring Langeland’s intimate jazz scene to life on select evenings.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Ommel
5.2 km
A small, sociable island nightspot near Marstal where locals and travelers share quiet drinks, simple music and the easygoing charm of Ærø after dark.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
23.0 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Old Danish Pub
39.9 km
Central Sønderborg institution blending classic Danish pub ambiance, affordable drinks, and lively atmosphere—perfect for experiencing Southern Denmark’s warmth and social life.
Kaizen ApS
39.9 km
Compact disco-style nightclub in central Sønderborg, pulsing with late-night beats, colourful lights and a straightforward bar for an unpretentious night out.
New Orleans Jazz I Sønderborg
40.1 km
Authentic New Orleans jazz experience in the heart of Sønderborg.
Dance All Over
45.6 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
CLUB ZANZI
46.5 km
High‑energy waterfront nightclub bringing big‑city beats, flashing lights and late‑night dancing to the heart of coastal Nakskov.
Muzirkus
51.9 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
52.9 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
KJ's bodel
53.0 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Carlsens Kvarter
55.9 km
Atmospheric pub in Odense C, offering unmatched hygge, an impressive selection of craft beers, and a welcoming local vibe in a characterful historic setting.
Den Brølende And
56.3 km
Experience the heart of Odense's nightlife at Den Brølende And, where music, dance, and camaraderie come alive.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
56.4 km
Dance on tables, drink large beers, and celebrate Alpine-style year-round in Odense's most uninhibited nightclub.
Dansebar Odense
56.5 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Grand Bar & Lounge
56.6 km
Experience timeless elegance and expertly crafted cocktails at Odense's Grand Bar & Lounge, nestled within the historic First Hotel Grand.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Eco-Friendly
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Adult Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly