The Best Places To Buy Finnish Beer

If you're looking to buy Finnish beer, there are a few options available to you. Beer is available in Finnish grocery stores between 9 am and 9 pm, 7 days a week. Most groceries are open beyond 9 pm, but alcoholic drinks must be paid for by 9 pm. In Finland, beer is also sold in state-owned Alko outlets, which are open weekdays from 9 am to 8 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm. Additionally, you can buy Finnish beer online from websites such as Discandooo and Drizly, which offer easy and cheap options for purchasing alcohol. Lastly, if you're in Helsinki, you may find cheaper beer options by avoiding tourist areas in the centre of the city and exploring traditional bars in neighbourhoods like Hakaniemi.

Buying Finnish beer in Helsinki

If you're looking to buy Finnish beer in Helsinki, there are several options to choose from, including bars, shops, and festivals. Here's a guide to help you find the best places to buy Finnish beer in Helsinki:

Bars and Restaurants

Helsinki has a variety of bars and restaurants that offer a wide range of Finnish beers. By avoiding tourist areas in the centre of Helsinki, such as Hakaniemi, you can find traditional bars with beer prices that are significantly cheaper. Places like Ravintola Hämeentie, St. Urho's Pub, and Salama Nation are great options for trying Finnish craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, and pilsners.

Shops

For buying beer to enjoy at home or elsewhere, Helsinki offers a range of shops specialising in Finnish and international craft beers. Pien Shop, located in the city centre, boasts a selection of over 600 different bottles and cans, as well as eight taps at the bar. They offer a pre-order service via WhatsApp, making it convenient to order and pick up your favourite beers. Another option is to visit supermarkets, where you can buy beer with an alcohol content of up to 5.5% until 9 PM every day.

Festivals

If you're lucky enough to be in Helsinki during the Craft Beer Helsinki festival, you'll have the opportunity to sample a wide range of Finnish and international craft beers. The festival features around 34 breweries, along with delicious street food and other craft beverages. It's a great opportunity to discover new beers and learn more about the Finnish craft beer culture.

Online Options

For those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, there are options to buy Finnish beer online and have it delivered or picked up. Websites like Discandooo offer a range of beers from different countries, including Finland. However, it's important to note that when buying from cross-border stores, you may be responsible for transportation or pickup.

Whether you're exploring the bars of Helsinki, browsing the shelves of specialised shops, attending a beer festival, or shopping online, there are plenty of options to buy and enjoy Finnish beer in Helsinki. Remember to drink responsibly and follow local regulations regarding alcohol consumption.

Buying Finnish beer online

There are several online retailers that offer Finnish beer for sale and delivery.

Discandooo

Discandooo offers a range of beers from Finland and other countries, including Germany, Sweden, and Spain. The website provides an option to pick up your order from Germany yourself or have it picked up by a third party.

Drizly

Drizly offers a simple way to buy Finnish beer online and get it delivered in under 60 minutes.

Belgian Beer Factory

The Belgian Beer Factory boasts more than 48 different types of Finnish beers available for purchase. They offer a 10% discount when you buy 12 bottles of the same beer and guarantee the lowest possible shipping costs.

Saveur Bière

Saveur Bière is France's market leader for online beer sales, offering a wide range of bottled beers, beer pumps, glasses, and more. They provide anti-breakage packaging and free returns. Saveur Bière has a customer satisfaction goal and strives to offer a quality service.

Beers of Europe

Beers of Europe offers free delivery on orders over £100. They have a large selection of beers from various countries, including Finland, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.

Buying Finnish beer in grocery stores

Finland has a long history of beer, dating back to the Middle Ages. The country's oldest commercial brewery is Sinebrychoff, founded in 1819. Finnish Beer Day is celebrated on 13 October to commemorate the founding of this brewery and the birth of Finnish beer.

If you're looking to buy Finnish beer in grocery stores, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the alcohol content of the beer will determine its availability. Beers with an alcohol content of up to 5.5% (raised from 4.7% a few years ago) can be purchased in grocery stores or supermarkets. For beers with a higher alcohol content, you'll need to visit a state-owned Alko liquor store or a bar or restaurant with the appropriate license.

In terms of purchasing hours, grocery stores and supermarkets sell beers between 9 AM and 9 PM every day, including Sundays. While some stores may remain open beyond 9 PM, alcoholic drinks must be paid for by 9 PM and won't be sold after that time.

It's worth noting that Finland has strict alcohol regulations, and the laws are constantly evolving. The country has relatively high taxes on alcoholic beverages, and the legal drinking age is 18 for milder drinks and 20 for stronger ones.

So, when buying Finnish beer in grocery stores, look for beers with an alcohol content of 5.5% or lower, and make sure to purchase them within the designated hours.

Buying Finnish beer in bars and restaurants

When buying Finnish beer in bars and restaurants, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, alcohol in Finland tends to be more expensive than in many other European countries, especially in tourist areas. To find more affordable options, consider venturing outside the city centre or tourist hotspots. For instance, the Hakaniemi area in Helsinki offers traditional bars with beer and wine at nearly half the price of those in the centre.

It is also worth noting that alcohol prices in pubs and restaurants are typically higher than in shops. A smart way to save money is to buy drinks from a local shop and enjoy them at the waterfront or in a park with friends. A six-pack of beer from a local shop can cost around €10-15, depending on the brand.

If you're looking for a specific type of Finnish beer, it's worth checking out specialised online retailers that offer cross-border or international shipping. Websites such as Discandooo and Drizly provide a wide range of beer options, including Finnish brands, that can be delivered directly to your doorstep.

When drinking in bars and restaurants, be mindful of the permitted serving hours for alcoholic beverages, which are typically from 9:00 to 01:30. Local authorities may allow extended hours for special requests or occasions. Additionally, some pubs and restaurants may have deals or promotions on drinks, so keep an eye out for those to further enhance your Finnish beer experience.

Finnish alcohol laws and regulations

Finland has strict alcohol regulations, and its alcohol laws are always evolving. The country has a history of viewing alcohol consumption as a public health issue, and its alcohol laws are designed to reduce the costs and causes of alcohol consumption. Finnish alcohol laws are similar to those in other Nordic countries, and alcohol is often featured in social gatherings and special occasions.

Finland has a government-owned alcoholic beverage retail monopoly called Alko, which is the only store in the country that retails beer over 8% ABV, wine (except in vineyards), and spirits. Alko has an extensive range of products, including rare wines, bulk vodka, and traditional Finnish drinks. It is required by law to sell drinks with a lower alcohol content than 8% and non-alcoholic alternatives, but in practice, it carries a limited stock of these products as supermarkets are allowed to sell them at a lower price. Alko has over 350 stores and 60 pick-up points across Finland and follows specific opening hours: Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 20:00, and Saturday between 09:00 and 18:00.

Alcoholic beverages with less than 8.0% ABV, such as beers, ciders, and low-alcohol wines, can be purchased in supermarkets and kiosks every day until 21:00. These drinks can be bought by individuals aged 18 or older. For stronger alcoholic products, individuals must be at least 20 years old to purchase them from Alko. The legal drinking age in Finland is 18 for milder drinks and 20 for stronger ones, and the country has strict age restrictions in place.

Finland's alcohol policies have recently undergone some changes, with the government agreeing to loosen the strict rules surrounding the sale and advertising of alcohol. The limit for alcohol content in corner shops and supermarkets has been raised from 4.7% to 5.5%, and bars and restaurants now have more flexible opening hours and fewer restrictions on alcohol service. These changes have been welcomed by some as a move towards a more "European drinking culture", but critics argue that they could lead to increased drinking among young people and higher rates of alcohol abuse.

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