Every now and then most Finns want to get highly intoxicated. This is traditionally and acceptably achieved by drinking too much Koskenkorva - a dry, clear drink and fairly strong at 38% ABV. Its name is derived from Koskenkorva town in Pohjanmaa province where it is distilled.

Koskenkorva was introduced by Alko [Finnish state monopoly for distribution of alcoholic drinks stronger than beer or cider. ] in 1953. Originally it was made from potatoes and later from mixed potato and grain, but modern distillers only use finest Finnish grain. For 40 years Koskenkorva has been more popular than any other vodka in Finland. It could be said that to Finns 'Koskenkorva' is synonymous with ' vodka '.

Koskenkorva's classic label featured Finnish countryside scenery with fields and barns, later replaced with some 'artistic nonsense'. True believers were greatly relieved when its original label was restored with minor modifications around 1990. For 40 years or so, Koskenkorva was only available in 0.5 litre bottles. Now other sizes are available: 4cl, 0.2 litre, 0.7 litre (Euro Kossu) and one litre (Family Kossu) bottles. In many Alkos, most people drink 0.5 litres Koskenkorva followed by