Beverages: National Liquor(s)

Vana Tallinn is a newer liquor, created in 1962 by a master liquor maker, Ilse Maar. It is a rum-based liquor with a secret recipe that utilizes unnamed spices and citrus extracts. For many years, Vana Tallinn was mainly available in Estonia and select European countries. More recently, it has become available in the United States and Japan, and has won many international awards and accolades.

There are many versions of Vana Tallinn available, sorted by collection. A crème version is slightly sweet and deceptively smooth, as it actually has a high alcohol content. Its flavor is described as smooth or velvety, and it appeals to a broad audience. Available versions of Vana Tallinn include the original, rum-based liquor infused with citrus oils, cinnamon, vanilla, and rum. Available seasonally, Vana Tallinn Winter Spice includes cinnamon, cardamom, anise, and nutmeg. Vana Tallinn Heritage has hints of oak. Vana Tallinn Summer Lime has lime and mint flavors and is recommended for mixing with fruit juices. Vana Tallin Elégance features rare aged rum from Martinique. Unlike other versions, it is recommended that Vana Tallin Elégance be served neat or on the rocks rather than mixed with juices or crafted in cocktails.

Vana Tallin is available in Finland and Latvia, but it lacks worldwide distribution. In the United States, availability is limited to select stores, although it is becoming more available through online stores. Vana Tallinn ads imply that it is an ancient and historic drink, traditional in Estonia, but it is actually quite new to the liquor world, considering it was first introduced in 1962. The Vana Tallinn company creates new versions of the liquor to mark various occasions, including the 100th birthday of the nearby Republic of Finland.

Alcohol Content (Alcohol by Volume)

Vana Tallinn is available in three different strengths: 40, 45, and 50 percent ABV.

Color

Vana Tallinn has a dark brown color.

How It's Made

The recipe for Vana Tallinn is unknown, but its base is Jamaican rum, which is then flavored with spices including vanilla and various forms of citrus.

How It's Enjoyed

Vana Tallinn is a sweet liquor that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including neat or over crushed ice. The rum-based liquor can also be used in cocktails in place of similar liquors, such as spiced rum, as well as be poured into coffee. It can be mixed with milk or kefir to create a concoction similar to a cream liqueur. Some fans also recommend pouring it over ice cream for a summer treat.

Major Brands

Vana Tallinn is sold under the brand of the same name.