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Sams Island Distillery

Craft spirits infused with island heritage—where juniper, potatoes, and orange ants tell Samsø's story.

4.5

A micro distillery on Denmark's Samsø island crafting distinctive spirits from local ingredients. Founded in 2017 by Mads Nielsen and Jesper Machholm, the distillery is renowned for its unique gin infused with orange ants from the local heath, alongside vodka made from island potatoes and rum from sugar beets. Guided tours showcase the production process and island heritage.

A brief summary to Samsø Island Distillery

  • Langgade 19, Samsø Municipality, 8305, DK
  • +4528968305
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon 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
  • Sunday 10 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Book guided tours in advance during peak summer season, as capacity is limited and tours often fill quickly.
  • Combine your visit with lunch at nearby restaurants like Samsø Madhus or Samsø Madsnedkeri, both within walking distance.
  • Visit during summer months when the distillery hosts special events and the island's agricultural season is at its peak.
  • Purchase bottles directly from the shop to support the distillery and take home spirits unavailable on the mainland.
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Getting There

  • Ferry from Kalundborg

    Take the ferry from Kalundborg on the mainland to Samsø, approximately 1 hour crossing time. Ferries operate multiple times daily year-round. The distillery is a 10-minute walk from the Tranebjerg ferry terminal. Ferry tickets cost approximately 80–120 Danish Krone per person for a standard passage. Vehicle transport available at additional cost.

  • Ferry from Hou

    Alternative ferry route from Hou in Jutland to Samsø, approximately 45 minutes crossing time. Fewer daily departures than Kalundborg route but shorter journey. Tickets approximately 70–110 Danish Krone per person. The distillery is roughly 15 minutes' walk from Hou ferry terminal in Samsø.

  • Bicycle from ferry terminal

    Rent a bicycle at either ferry terminal (approximately 80–150 Danish Krone per day) and cycle to the distillery. Samsø is exceptionally bike-friendly with flat terrain and dedicated cycling routes. Journey time 10–20 minutes depending on ferry arrival point. Bicycle rental shops operate at both terminals.

  • Taxi from ferry terminal

    Arrange taxi service from ferry terminal to distillery, approximately 5–10 minutes depending on ferry arrival point. Estimated cost 100–200 Danish Krone. Taxis available at both Tranebjerg and Hou terminals; advance booking recommended during peak season.

Samsø Island Distillery location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather

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Discover more about Samsø Island Distillery

A Micro Distillery Born from Island Resources

Sams Island Distillery stands in the heart of Tranebjerg, the main town on Samsø, a small Danish island 15 kilometers off the Jutland Peninsula. Established in 2017 by Mads Nielsen and Jesper Machholm, this micro distillery represents a modern expression of Samsø's agricultural heritage. The founders built their operation on a simple philosophy: transform the island's carefully selected raw materials into distinctive spirits that capture the essence of their unique environment. The distillery occupies a central location on Langgade, making it easily accessible to visitors exploring the island's food and drink scene.

Signature Spirits and Local Ingredients

The distillery's portfolio reflects deep connections to Samsø's landscape and farming traditions. Sams Island Gin, the flagship product, combines wild juniper berries with a distinctive ingredient found nowhere else: orange ants harvested from the local heath. This unusual botanical creates a memorable flavor profile that tells the story of the island itself. Sams Island Vodka is distilled from potatoes grown on Samsø, which has earned international recognition for producing Denmark's earliest potato harvest each year. Sams Island RÅM, a rum expression, is crafted from sugar beets cultivated on the island. Each spirit represents a direct connection between the bottle and the soil from which it originates.

The Island's Sustainable Spirit

Samsø holds a distinctive place in Denmark's environmental story. In 1997, the island won a government competition to become a model renewable energy community, transforming from complete dependence on imported oil and coal to becoming the world's first net renewable energy island. Today, 100% of Samsø's electricity comes from wind power and biomass. This commitment to sustainability extends throughout the island's economy, including its agricultural and food production sectors. The distillery operates within this context of ecological consciousness, sourcing ingredients from farms that practice free-range and organic methods. Visitors to Sams Island Distillery thus experience not just a craft spirits producer, but part of a broader island commitment to sustainable living.

Guided Tours and Visitor Experience

The distillery welcomes visitors through guided tours that reveal the production process from raw materials to finished spirits. Tours explain how each spirit is crafted and tell the stories behind the distinctive ingredients. The experience provides insight into both the technical aspects of distillation and the cultural heritage of Samsø. The distillery shop allows visitors to purchase bottles and take home a taste of the island. The location's central position on Langgade places it within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, and other attractions, making it a natural stop on any culinary tour of Samsø.

Samsø's Culinary and Agricultural Identity

Sams Island Distillery exists within a broader food culture that defines Samsø. The island has developed a distinctive reputation for early-season produce, particularly potatoes and strawberries, which attract visitors from across Europe. Local restaurants and food producers have built their identities around these agricultural strengths. The distillery complements this food-focused tourism by offering spirits that embody the same local pride and quality consciousness. Visitors often combine a distillery visit with meals at nearby restaurants, shopping at roadside farm stalls, and exploring other food producers on the island, creating a comprehensive experience of Samsø's culinary identity.

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