From Royal Distillery to royal quality

L ignell & Piispanen’s plant is at the location where a royal distillery was established in 1781. As a reminder of over 220 years of history, the premises today still host the distillery’s gigantic spirits tanks built inside a vault, holding tens of thousands of litres. This area in Koljonniemi is home to much of Finland's alcohol expertise. Today, Lignell & Piispanen is the only remaining company in the area to pursue this noble tradition from four centuries.

Gustav Ranin (1825-1896) and the oldest chimney in Kuopio from 1875Hugo Lignell (1841-1890))August Piispanen (1844-1896)


The thoroughness of family business

Lignell & Piispanen is one of the oldest family businesses in Finland – its current entrepreneurs represent the fifth and sixth generation. Pursuing family business has meant dedication and taking care of product development, quality, and tradition. The know-how has remained and increased from one generation to the next for more than 150 years now.

Minna Sormunen represents the sixth generation of family business tradition


Historical landmarks from four centuries

Lignell & Piispanen has deep roots in the history of Finnish industrialisation. The company's roots go all the way back to 1783, when the construction of a royal distillery was completed at the location of Lignell & Piispanen's current premises. The same location has witnessed various forms of spirits production and entrepreneurship to the present day - we are reminded of the past by the distillery's spirits cellar and gigantic spirits tank, which date back to the 18th century.

 
Lignell & Piispanen has cultivated and developed the fine traditions of liqueur production since 1882. Qualified chemists Hugo Lignell and August Piispanen established the first chemist's in Kuopio in 1872, and began producing and importing alcoholic drinks ten years later. The first liqueur, Mesimarja (Arctic bramble), has won several awards at international fairs and still maintains its popularity. Lignell & Piispanen specialises in berry liqueurs, fortified wine, cognac, and spirits. High-quality wines and mixed drinks are also part of the selection, which still features renowned products from previous centuries.

Some of Lignell & Piispanen's staff in 1897. Photo by V. Barsokevitch. Kuopio Museum of Cultural History.

 

Juhani Aho and his brother with K.K. Brofeldt in the early 20th century. Brofeldt worked as a signing clerk for Gust. Ranin. Kuopio Museum of Cultural History.Enjoyment from more than a century ago. Restaurant owner F. Ahlberg in August 1899. Photo by V. Barsokevitch. Kuopio Museum of Cultural History.


Lignell & Piispanen's founders

 

Hugo Lignell
(5 April 1841 - 3 May 1890)

A chemist and merchant who imported and exported goods. Co-founder of Lignell & Piispanen. A local authority of his time. Received the title of commercial counsellor a week before his death.

August Piispanen
(14 June 1844 - 24 January 1906)

A chemist who bought the first chemist's in Kuopio with Hugo Lignell. Co-founder of Lignell & Piispanen. A local authority of his time. Received the title of municipal counsellor in 1893


The spirits cellar on L&P's premises, dating back to the 18th centuryLayout of Lignell & Piispanen's spirits plant from 1897

From four centuries:

  • 1775 Distillation made a royal privilege
  • 1783 Royal distillery completed in Koljonniemi, Kuopio (L&P's plant premises)
  • 1852 Osakeyhtiö Gustav Ranin established
  • 1856 O.W. Roering's distillery completed in Koljonniemi
  • 1856 Gustav Ranin begins importing cognacs, rums, and wines
  • 1858 Ranin and Rurik Kellgren buy Roering's distillery
  • 1864 Home distillation made illegal
  • 1867 Ranin receives the right to produce 20,000 jugs of spirits per year
  • 1868 Ranin gains ownership of the large stone cellar of the old Koljonniemi royal distillery (built in 1783) from Roering's heirs, and buys Kellgren's share of the distillery along with the lot
  • 1869 Ranin increases the number of outlets and products - in addition to Savon Wiina schnapps, the selection includes cumin and bitter orange spirits, liqueurs, and palm spirit
  • 1871 Savon Wiina sold out due to high demand
  • 1872 Hugo Lignell and A.E. Piispanen buy Vanha Apteekki, the old chemist's in Kuopio
  • 1872 Lignell & Piispanen introduces Mesimarja (Arctic bramble) liqueur
  • 1919 Prohibition starts
  • 1932 Ranin buys Lignell & Piispanen's alcohol production
  • 1932 Prohibition ends; state monopoly starts
  • 1985 Lignell & Piispanen's new plant completed
  • 1995 New alcohol law; selection extended to include traditional brands from the 19th century as well as new products; production monopoly ends
  • 2002 120th anniversary of Mesimarja liqueur
  • 2003 New logistics centre completed
  • 2004 135th anniversary of Savon Wiina