There was a distillery along Ruonanoja in Raahe as early as the 18th century, but it ceased to operate during the years of famine. When the state banned home distillation of spirits in 1866, Raahe’s enterprising bourgeoisie began to plan a factory producing spirits for the needs of the region. Ludvig Ahlqvist was the first to do so as early as 1867, but the permit issues dragged on. The spirits company founded in 1872, with merchants L. Ahlqvist, J. Aspegren, G.H. Möller and Fr. Sovelius jr. as shareholders, finally received the permission for the distillery from the Provincial Governor of Oulu in 1874. The distillery would be allowed to produce approximately 80,000 litres of spirits a year.

Distillery to Pattijoki

It was decided to build the factory in the village of Pattijoki, on the Joensuu farm. The spirits were made from grain and potatoes obtained from the owners’ own crops and bought from farmers in the surrounding area. The Pattijoki distillery produced spirits and draff, from which those who wanted could make spirits in their homes (it was allowed to make spirits at home from bought draff). Each year, spirits were produced in two batches, in the spring and autumn.

The marketing area was initially the town of Raahe, but after the expansion in 1876, spirits were sold to the entire province. The products were transported to Kalajoki, Kajaani, Kuopio and even Russia in kegs and large transport vats. The consumer was allowed to buy spirits directly from the factory (minimum portion 3 litres) or to enjoy it in the public houses of the town. Old Möller sold spirits in his shop in Brahenkatu in the legendary style that Samuli Paulaharju recorded in Wanha Raahe:

“There is a partition in the barrel; when I turn the tap this way, you get rum, and when I turn it this way, you get cognac.” 

Last days of the distillery

At the end of the 19th century, Raahe was experiencing an economic downturn due to the end of the Age of Sail. The operations of the distillery were also in decline at that time, and it was closed down in 1900. The first auction for the distillery, its buildings, machinery and other movable property was held on 8 September 1900, but no sales were made yet.

A new auction took place five years later, and the sale was successful. The company’s last general meeting was held the same year.

The grand main building of the distillery and its other buildings were purchased by businessman Arthur Lagerlöf, who moved some of the buildings to Ruukki and Raahe to serve as housing for the workers of his companies. Raahen Puutavara Oy’s Virpiperän Pitkäpirtti was one of these buildings.