🥃 Danzka
Danzka is a Danish vodka brand from 1989, known for its aluminium bottle. 100% whole grain, six-column distillation; owned by the German company Waldemar Behn since 2013.
Danzka is a Danish vodka brand dating from 1989, known for its aluminium bottle in the Danish style, a vodka that features in global duty-free and travel retail. According to the brand's website, it is made from 100% whole grain by six-column continuous distillation and diluted with demineralised water. Since 2013 the brand has belonged to the German company Waldemar Behn.
History. The brand was previously owned by Danske Spritfabrikker and Vin & Sprit, and later by Belvédère. On 1 April 2013 the Behn Group completed its purchase of Danzka. According to the Moodie Davitt Report, the vodka was then sold in more than 50 markets, 2.6 million bottles a year, and ranked fourth among premium vodkas in global duty-free and travel retail.
How it is made. The base is 100% whole grain. The spirit is produced in six continuous columns and diluted with demineralised Nordic water. The brand's website says the vodka was born in Copenhagen.
The bottle. The aluminium bottle is Danzka's signature: the producer calls it a proprietary bottle of sleek Danish design that does not break while travelling. Besides the classic Forty, there are flavoured versions, so check the label.
Why it matters to you. Under EU rules, vodka must have at least 37.5% ABV, and if it is not made from grain or potatoes, the raw material must be stated on the label. Flavoured versions belong to a separate category. Older references still name Belvédère as the owner, but since 2013 it has been Waldemar Behn. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Facts
| Year founded | 1989, Denmark; Waldemar Behn since 2013 |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Reg. (EU) 2019/787, Annex I, category 15 — vodka |
| EU category | 15 — vodka |
| Raw material | 100% whole grain; demineralised water |
| Distillation method | continuous, in six columns |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | at least 37.5% ABV under EU rules |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Danzka → kind of → 🌾 Vodka and grain spirits → kind of → 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Made from
- 🌾 Common wheat
- What it contains
- 🧪 Water, 🍷 Ethanol
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🍸 Vodka, 🌾 Vodka and grain spirits
- Related to
- 🌍 Northern Europe
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Absolut, 🥃 Finlandia, 🥃 Wyborowa, 🥃 Grey Goose
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Danzka vodka?
The German company Waldemar Behn. Belvédère sold the brand to Behn; the deal was completed on 1 April 2013.
What is Danzka vodka made from?
According to the brand's website, from 100% whole grain and demineralised water.
Why is Danzka sold in an aluminium bottle?
It is the brand's signature bottle, which the producer links to Danish design and describes as one that does not break while travelling.
Where is Danzka from and when did it appear?
It is a Danish vodka from 1989; the brand's website says it was born in Copenhagen.
How is Danzka distilled, and what is the minimum ABV of vodka?
By continuous distillation in six columns, according to the brand's website. Under EU rules vodka must be at least 37.5% ABV; US labels give strength as ABV and proof.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🍷 Ethanol — The alcohol formed during fermentation that makes you drunk.
- 🌍 Northern Europe — Scandinavia, Finland, Denmark and Iceland: a cold land of cows, Icelandic skyr, Norwegian brunost and Danish cheeses with protected names.
- 🥃 Grey Goose — Grey Goose is a French vodka made from Picardie soft winter wheat and spring water from Gensac-la-Pallue, blended in the Cognac region. Launched in 1997, owned by Bacardi since 2004; classic Grey Goose is 40% ABV (80 proof).
- 🌾 Common wheat — The most widely grown wheat species, milled into flour for bread, fresh and egg pasta, spätzle and noodles.
Similar
🥃 Eristoff · 🥃 Koskenkorva · 🥃 Ketel One · 🥃 Viru Valge · 🥃 Skyy · 🥃 Vikingfjord
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
What it includes
Sources
- Moodie Davitt Report: Behn Group acquires Danzka Vodka from Belvédère (17.04.2013; completed 1 April; founded 1989 in Denmark; Danske Spritfabrikker, Vin&Sprit; 50+ markets, 2.6 m bottles)
- Danzka (brand site): born in Copenhagen; 100 % whole grain; six-column continuous distillation; demineralised water; proprietary aluminium bottle
- Regulation (EU) 2019/787 on spirit drinks (OJ L 130, 17.5.2019), Annex I
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)