In a traditional sauna workshop the aromas of sticky sap from fresh pine and birch mingled with wood glue and leather polish. Then sweet smoke reminiscent of burning pencils wafted over a lunchbox of hard pears and salted liquorice. On the palate, wood transferred to birch water infused with thyme, cinnamon and spruce tips while olive oil burned on a hot barbecue.

A dash of water brought out burnt caraway seeds and juniper wood, with a hint of cough syrup and spirit. Back in the workshop, linseed oil was being worked into balsa wood and sourdough rye bread was toasting on sizzling sauna stones.