Hall of Fame

Anssi Pyysing is the founder of Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery in Finland. A prominent figure in the Finnish and Nordic whisky scene, Anssi’s journey into the world of brewing and distilling began with a passion for high-quality beverages and a vision to create something unique in the Finnish market. In 1994, Anssi established the first Teerenpeli Bar in Lahti, Finland. The following year, he established Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery, initially focusing on brewing craft beers. The brewery’s success encouraged Anssi to explore the world of whisky, and in 2002 he founded Teerenpeli Distillery. In 2015, the distillery expanded with a second location in nearby Lotila, which produces approximately 100,000 litres of spirit per year. Anssi’s approach to whisky production is rooted in the use of local ingredients and traditional methods. The pure groundwater filtered by the Salpausselkä ridges and locally grown barley became the foundation of Teerenpeli’s whisky, giving it a distinct Finnish character. A vocal advocate for the Nordic whisky industry, Anssi promotes collaboration and innovation among distillers in the region. He aims to elevate the status of Nordic whisky, increasing its profile and respect in the global spirits market. In addition to his work with Teerenpeli, Anssi has been involved in various initiatives to support the local community and promote sustainable practices. Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery is known for its commitment to sustainability, from sourcing local ingredients to implementing eco-friendly production methods with own wood pellet power plant and upcycling former sea containers to whisky warehouses.