Through The Eyes Of A Finn
MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia|June/July 2024
Men's Folio spoke to Jyri Pylkkänen - the newly appointed Glenfiddich & The Balvenie Regional Malts Southeast Asia brand ambassador-about his early days in the alcohol scene, his plans for the region and his whisky recommendations.
Asaph Low
Through The Eyes Of A Finn

It is not often one comes across a Finnish person in Singapore. Growing up in the little city of Porvoo, along the south coast of Finland and spending the majority of his life in Helsinki, Jyri Pylkkänen finds himself exchanging his Scandinavian home country’s climate and way of life with Singapore’s (where he is based) sweltering heat and humidity, and Southeast Asia’s melting pot of culture. The move comes after he was appointed as the new Regional Malts brand ambassador for Southeast Asia, focusing on Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. Men’s Folio spoke to Jyri Pylkkänen about his early days in the alcohol scene, his plans for the region and his favourite whiskies to enjoy.

JYRI, WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST EXPOSURE TO ALCOHOL? WHAT DID YOU DRINK?

I remember we had this thing called Salmiakki in Finland; it’s a kind of liquorice but heavier. You’d infuse that with alcohol and down it as a shot. That was my first experience with alcohol.

SO, WHAT DREW YOU INTO THE WORLD OF ALCOHOL AND SPIRITS?

As I was quite young and looking for opportunities in life, I found myself working in a nightclub to earn some money. After two weeks, I got promoted to make drinks behind the bar, and I love the interactivity of it. I was the side guy when I was younger. I met new people, the bar community; everybody supported each other. It was a small, big world for a young boy back then.

I realised this was my passion and something I wanted to pursue. I worked at various pubs with various concepts and eventually found my place in cocktails. This turned out to be the biggest decision of my life, as I am still working in the industry. After that, I met my best friend and former colleague, and decided to open a cocktail consultancy. It worked out pretty well and after saving some money, we opened a few bars with different concepts — one of which included a New York-style cocktail joint.

This story is from the June/July 2024 edition of MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June/July 2024 edition of MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MEN'S FOLIO MALAYSIAView All
Forged in Steel
MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia

Forged in Steel

Franck Muller celebrates Sincere Fine Watches’ 7Oth anniversary with avery special Vanguard.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Made For Modern Life
MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia

Made For Modern Life

The Volvo EX30 is the much-needed vehicle for a joyful and fuss-free ride.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Eastern Charm
MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia

Eastern Charm

With a blazing display of KARLS Group's culinary bravura, the Upper House KL gives classic Asian flavours a modern twist.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
When Worlds Collide
MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia

When Worlds Collide

Where revered tradition meets unceasing imagination, Hennessy has teamed up with French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel for its latest collaboration.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Business Means Business: Cathay Pacific
MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia

Business Means Business: Cathay Pacific

With the return of flights, and the additional of new ones, there is little reason to doubt that doing a stopover in Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific to any destination in the world from ASEAN is the best decision one might make in their lifetime. Plus, its concrete Business and Premium Economy Class offerings, and world-renowned lounges in HKIA make travelling on the Hong Kong-based airline an experience via a stopover, rather than a chore.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
Malaysia's New Zenith
MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia

Malaysia's New Zenith

Celebrating the first Malaysian Zenith boutique in The Exchange TRX.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Two-Timing
MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia

Two-Timing

Cartier's timekeeping greats for 2024 range from the classic to the experimental.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Racing Through Time
MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia

Racing Through Time

Celebrating Rolex’s timeless relationship with motor racing.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
A Man And His Watch
MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia

A Man And His Watch

Men's Folio Malaysia speaks to watch collectors about the first watch that drew them into the hobby.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
A Cartoon's Charm
MEN'S FOLIO Malaysia

A Cartoon's Charm

Cartoon watches might seem childish but there are reasons to feel otherwise, especially if the nostalgia transports one back to childhood days.

time-read
9 mins  |
October 2024