Whisky Voices: Pär Caldenby

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.

In this edition, I spoke with Pär Caldenby, owner, founder, and Master Distiller at Smögen Whisky on the rugged west coast of Sweden. Established in 2010, Smögen was among the first wave of Nordic distilleries to make a global mark. Known for bold, full-flavoured spirits and an uncompromising approach to craft, Pär brings both intellect and passion to his answers.

Whisky Hero

“To me, personally, I will name Francis Cuthbert,” Pär said. “He offers something truly unique at Daftmill Distillery. Cultivating his own barley, then mashing, fermenting, distilling, maturing, and bottling it himself. He’s created something entirely distinct in today’s whisky world, and with great results, full of character. Francis is also a very amiable and calm man, literally and figuratively, with both boots firmly on the ground.”

A fitting tribute from one independent craftsman to another.

Whisky Villain

“The flippers and so-called investors,” Pär said sharply, “who drove the last decade’s hysterical price increases and created a distorted market that was never sustainable. They caused great harm, turning people away from malt whisky, and discouraging new devotees from joining. Worst of all, they lured “Big Corporate Whisky” into following suit, chasing the same hysteria.”

Whisky Surprise

Reflecting on his own journey, Pär smiled. “Since I began with Smögen back in 2010, focusing on quality, but also on big character and flavour, I can only surmise I was onto the right track,” he said. “Many of the new distilleries opening since have done the same, focusing on flavour and individuality rather than yield. And a number of those newcomers are indeed making very good and interesting whiskies, while of course, some are… not quite doing that.”

Whisky Trend

“Flavour before yield, in my opinion,” Pär said simply.

Whisky Wish

“Smögen conquering the whisky world!” Pär said with a grin. “No, seriously, I nurture a reasonable hope that we’ll see a slow shift toward more flavour, and an increased appreciation of it among consumers. That will benefit both the industry and the world.”

Then, with a mischievous smile, he added “And if we’re talking wild wishes, I’d quite like a 3rd fill ex-sherry butt of 1966 Clynelish, thank you very much.”

I do hope Pär will share a dram if he gets that final wish!

Sláinte!
- Thomas