Whisky Voices: Jarkko Nikkanen

This interview is part of my ongoing Whisky Voices Series, where I sit down with leading voices in the whisky world, from distillers and writers to ambassadors and innovators, to capture their unfiltered thoughts on heroes, villains, surprises, trends, and wishes.

I have now spoke with Jarkko Nikkanen, one of the most influential figures in Nordic whisky culture. As founding father and honorary chairman of Viskin Ystävien Seura, the largest whisky society in Finland with around 1,500 members, Jarkko has spent decades building and shaping the whisky community across the Nordics.

A prolific whisky author with ten books to his name and more than 2,500 tastings hosted, Jarkko has also worked extensively across the industry, collaborating with importers and Finnish distilleries alike. His long career as an ambassador and educator gives him a uniquely broad and grounded perspective on whisky’s past, present, and future.

Whisky Hero

“I cannot name just one,” Jarkko said, and his answer reflects a lifetime of influences. He highlights Jim McEwan as a particularly important figure.

“He showed me what a truly flamboyant whisky personality can be.”

Alongside him, Mickey Heads and Eddie MacAffer offered something different but equally important.

“They taught me a humble approach, towards both whisky and whisky fans.”

Whisky Villain

“Fraudsters and gougers selling obscure, or even non-existent, whisky casks with promises of massive returns.”

For him, these actors represent the most damaging force connected to whisky today. He also acknowledges broader threats.

“The temperance movement and other external forces could also be seen as villains, with intent against the whisky way of life.”

Whisky Surprise

“I used to be a classicalist, sceptical of anything too modern. That perspective has changed.”

One recent surprise stands out: the innovation from Two Stacks, particularly their Dram in a Can concept.

“We’ve seen different bottle sizes, so why not whisky in a can? It’s easy to carry, easy to share, and something totally new.”

Whisky Trend

“Innovation,” Jarkko said, acknowledging it may sound like a cliché, but insisting it is accurate.

“In tougher times, the industry needs new openings and new beginnings. As a Finn, rye has always interested me. Combine that with smoke and different maturation approaches, and there’s a lot of exciting whisky being made.”

Whisky Wish

“Leniency. Forbearance. Maybe even mercy.”

He observes that new producers, and even new releases from established names, are often met with overly harsh criticism.

“I would like to see a whisky community that is less judgmental.”

Sláinte!
- Thomas