EN 
ET Tallinn, Estonia’s charming capital, is best known for its fairytale-like Old Town, tech-savvy innovation, and a dynamic cultural scene. But in recent years, another draw has been bubbling to the surface — Tallinn bottleshops. These specialty stores, once focused almost exclusively on craft beer, have evolved into carefully curated havens for all kinds of premium alcoholic beverages, including fine wines, rare whiskies, craft ciders, and artisanal spirits.
Whether you’re a casual traveler or a dedicated connoisseur, Tallinn bottleshops are an essential stop for discovering what Estonia and the wider world have to offer in the realm of drinks.
What Is a Bottleshop?
A bottleshop is much more than just a place to buy alcohol—it’s a curated experience. While they originally focused on craft beer, many of Tallinn’s bottleshops have broadened their scope to include boutique wines, small-batch gins, locally distilled vodkas, and rare whiskies. These shops pride themselves on offering unique, high-quality beverages that aren’t typically found in supermarkets.
Often run by passionate experts, bottleshops are excellent places to get personal recommendations, attend tastings, or simply explore something new. Many even double as hybrid spaces—part shop, part bar—where you can sip before you stock up.
Bottleshops in Tallinn
1. Uba ja Humal
Nestled in the hip Kalamaja district, Uba ja Humal (meaning “Bean and Hop”) is a standout destination. It’s more than just a beer shop—it also carries a thoughtful selection of wines, gins, and other spirits. The cozy space includes a café and bar, making it a relaxed venue to taste before you buy. It’s a go-to spot for craft beer lovers, but equally appealing to those in search of high-end Estonian gin or natural wine.
2. SIP – Wine and Beer Shop
SIP is one of Tallinn’s premier specialty drinks stores. In addition to a vast range of craft beers, SIP is well-known for its wine selection, which includes organic and biodynamic labels from across Europe. They also carry premium whiskies, brandies, and more. The knowledgeable staff make it easy for both beginners and aficionados to find something special. Regular events and tastings help turn this shop into a vibrant community hub.
3. Heldeke! Tasting Room and Bottleshop
This bottleshop is located on Volta, a once-industrial street reinvented as a green, mixed-use urban quarter blending history and modern community life. The shop specialises in various liqueurs, such as beer, wine, gin, whisky, vermouth and even international snacks. Heldeke! Tasting Room and Bottleshop has the largest selection of vermouth in Estonia as well as the most unique whisky collection. Additionally, they host various alco and nonalco tastings as well as show various sports events, such as rugby or racing. So whether you’re looking for Antica Formula, Glenmorangie or Vegemite, this shop will have you covered.
4. Koht
While Koht is best known as a quirky beer bar hidden in Tallinn’s medieval Old Town, it also sells bottles to take away. Beyond its encyclopedic beer list with over 700 beers to choose from, Koht carries a rotating selection of spirits and ciders. Its tight quarters and secretive vibe only add to the charm—and its collection includes some truly rare finds.
Põhjala Tap Room is the flagship taproom and brewery restaurant of Põhjala Brewery, nestled in the historic Noblessner harbour area of Tallinn. The spacious, industrial-chic interior—characterized by stone walls, warm lighting, and an inviting social atmosphere—hosts 24 taps pouring both Põhjala’s signature ales (ranging from IPAs to oak‑aged imperial stouts) and rotating guest brews. Beyond food and beer, the Tap Room includes a beer & merchandise shop, private sauna rental for up to 8 people, and guided brewery tours.
Beyond Beer: A Broader Selection
Tallinn’s bottleshops are increasingly catering to a wide audience. You’ll find:
- Craft Cider: Both Estonian and international varieties made with traditional methods.
- Natural and Organic Wines: A growing trend among Tallinn’s wine-loving crowd.
- Artisan Spirits: Locally distilled gins, vodkas, and even aquavits.
- Whiskies and Bourbons: Ranging from well-known Scottish distilleries to niche, collectible bottles.
This expansion reflects a growing sophistication in Estonia’s drinking culture, with consumers seeking quality, origin, and story in every bottle.
Why Visit a Bottleshop in Tallinn?
- Local Discovery: Bottleshops are excellent places to explore Estonia’s rising scene of craft producers.
- Curated Imports: Many shops offer rare international brands you won’t find elsewhere in the country.
- Perfect Souvenirs: From Estonian rye whiskey to handcrafted gin, these make memorable (and portable) gifts.
- Tasting Culture: Shops often host tastings, events, and meet-the-maker nights.
Bottleshops in Tallinn offer far more than just beer—they are gateways to the broader world of high-quality, thoughtfully produced beverages. Whether you’re on the hunt for a single-origin whisky, a funky orange wine, or a hyper-local craft cider, Tallinn’s best bottleshops are ready to help you explore, taste, and take home a piece of Estonia’s rapidly evolving drinks culture.
So next time you’re in Tallinn, don’t just visit the landmarks—stop into a bottleshop, and discover the city through its bottles. Cheers!
