Gustav Ranin distillery, logotype, Kuopio

Originally uploaded by Gloel.

I loved the way how shadow divided this design into the two and gave a depth to this picture.

This old distillery was built in 1883

Historical landmarks from four centuries

Lignell & Piispanen has deep roots in the history of Finnish industrialisation. The company’s roots go all the way back to 1783, when the construction of a royal distillery was completed at the location of Lignell & Piispanen’s current premises. The same location has witnessed various forms of spirits production and entrepreneurship to the present day - we are reminded of the past by the distillery’s spirits cellar and gigantic spirits tank, which date back to the 18th century.

Lignell & Piispanen has cultivated and developed the fine traditions of liqueur production since 1882. Qualified chemists Hugo Lignell and August Piispanen established the first chemist’s in Kuopio in 1872, and began producing and importing alcoholic drinks ten years later. The first liqueur, Mesimarja (Arctic bramble), has won several awards at international fairs and still maintains its popularity. Lignell & Piispanen specialises in berry liqueurs, fortified wine, cognac, and spirits. High-quality wines and mixed drinks are also part of the selection, which still features renowned products from previous centuries.
Some of Lignell & Piispanen’s staff in 1897. Photo by V. Barsokevitch. Kuopio Museum of Cultural History.

Juhani Aho and his brother with K.K. Brofeldt in the early 20th century. Brofeldt worked as a signing clerk for Gust. Ranin. Kuopio Museum of Cultural History.

Enjoyment from more than a century ago. Restaurant owner F. Ahlberg in August 1899. Photo by V. Barsokevitch. Kuopio Museum of Cultural History.
Lignell & Piispanen’s founders

Hugo Lignell
(5 April 1841 - 3 May 1890)

A chemist and merchant who imported and exported goods. Co-founder of Lignell & Piispanen. A local authority of his time. Received the title of commercial counsellor a week before his death.

August Piispanen
(14 June 1844 - 24 January 1906)

A chemist who bought the first chemist’s in Kuopio with Hugo Lignell. Co-founder of Lignell & Piispanen. A local authority of his time. Received the title of municipal counsellor in 1893

• 1775: Distillation made a royal privilege
• 1783: Royal distillery completed in Koljonniemi, Kuopio (L&P’s plant premises)
• 1852: Osakeyhtiö Gustav Ranin established
• 1856: O.W. Roering’s distillery completed in Koljonniemi
• 1856: Gustav Ranin begins importing cognacs, rums, and wines
• 1858: Ranin and Rurik Kellgren buy Roering’s distillery
• 1864: Home distillation made illegal
• 1867: Ranin receives the right to produce 20,000 jugs of spirits per year
• 1868: Ranin gains ownership of the large stone cellar of the old Koljonniemi royal distillery (built in 1783) from Roering’s heirs, and buys Kellgren’s share of the distillery along with the lot
• 1869: Ranin increases the number of outlets and products - in addition to Savon Wiina schnapps, the selection includes cumin and bitter orange spirits, liqueurs, and palm spirit
• 1871: Savon Wiina sold out due to high demand
• 1872: Hugo Lignell and A.E. Piispanen buy Vanha Apteekki, the old chemist’s in Kuopio
• 1882: Lignell & Piispanen introduces Mesimarja (Arctic bramble) liqueur
• 1919: Prohibition starts
• 1932: Ranin buys Lignell & Piispanen’s alcohol production
• 1932: Prohibition ends; state monopoly starts
• 1985: Lignell & Piispanen’s new plant completed
• 1995: New alcohol law; selection extended to include traditional brands from the 19th century as well as new products; production monopoly ends
• 2002: 120th anniversary of Mesimarja liqueur
• 2003: New logistics centre completed
• 2004: 135th anniversary of Savon Wiina