When it comes to alcoholic beverages and beer, Finland is not a particularly straightforward place: For a long time, Prohibition completely banned the consumption of alcohol, and to this day, the effects of this period make life difficult for brewers. 4.7% alcohol content is the magic limit that everyone tries to get under. Any fine tipple that is above this can only be sold in restaurants and specially licensed beverage stores. Heavier styles such as porter, imperial stout, IPAs or bock beer can therefore be brewed, but cannot be operated by the brewery itself. Many brewers therefore operate under the permitted alcohol limit and are significantly limited in their creativity. The brewers at the Sori brewery did not want to accept this fate and took a bold step.
Pyry and Heikki's story began in the hallowed halls of the academic beer society BOSA. The two beer enthusiasts were part of the association and met regularly with like-minded people to exchange ideas and recipes, to ponder beer and, of course, to drink together. Members of the society include hobby and home brewers as well as beer fans who do not brew themselves. More than once, the beer-fuelled conversations revolved around the Finnish beer scene and the fact that beer from their homeland had so far attracted little international attention. Over a beer together, Heikki and Pyry finally sealed their plan: they wanted to be the brewers who brought the world the news of wonderful Finnish beer. However, they did not want to be constrained by local restrictions, so they quickly moved lock, stock and barrel to neighboring Estonia.
In Estonia, the two had free rein when it came to the alcohol content and the fun could begin. With the help of a crowdfunding campaign, the two friends raised enough money to set up their own brewery. Since then, the two have been brewing serious beer for not-so-serious people, true to their motto. The name of the brewery refers to the extremely polite and courteous nature of the Finns: In everyday life, the inhabitants of Finland apologize at every opportunity and you hear friendly "Sori" from every direction - so if you want to revolutionize the Nordic beer scene with outstanding craft beers and challenge industrial breweries with craftsmanship and taste, you can say "Sori". However, we don't feel at all sorry that Pyry and Heikki are shaking up the Estonian and Finnish beer world. With their experimental, hand-crafted and subtly composed beers, they deserve every success.
