Crown distillery

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Crown distilleries (Kronobränneri) were state-run alcohol stills in Sweden from 1775 to 1824. In 1775, King Gustav III, with advice from his finance minister Johan Liljencrantz, created a state monopoly on making and selling spirits. The goal was to raise money for the state and reduce alcohol problems. It became illegal to produce or buy spirits from anywhere else, and imports and private distillation were banned. About 50–60 Crown Distilleries were set up across Sweden.

The monopoly was very unpopular, especially with people who had long-distilled at home. Many still brewed illegally. The Crown Distilleries also did not make a profit. In 1786, the Riksdag ended the monopoly, and most distilleries closed in the following years. A few stayed open for some time, with the last one closing in 1824.