Bareksten Spirits launches in UK
Norway-based Bareksten Spirits has debuted its portfolio of gin, aquavit and absinthe in the UK on- and off-trade.
Forager and master distiller Stig Bareksten launched the brand in 2015, having combined his botanical expertise with an interest in ‘the dark otherworldly forests’ of his homeland in Norway. The Bareksten portfolio is composed of Botanical Gin, Navy Strength Gin, Old Tom Gin, Double Gin, Illsint Absint and Botanical Aquavit. Bareksten Botanical Gin is made with a combination of 26 botanicals, 19 of which are locally sourced. It is described as tasting like a Norwegian forest, with vibrancy on the nose. The brand’s navy strength expression clocks in at 58% ABV, and is recommended served in a Martini; while Bareksten Old Tom Gin is described as ‘the perfect middle ground’ between a London Dry and Dutch genever. The brand also offers a clear anise, fennel and chamomile-forward absinthe, which is recommended used in an Espresso Martini; and its Bareksten Botanical Aquavit, which has been crafted around a potato-based spirit, flavoured with classic aquavit botanicals and rested for six months in oloroso Sherry casks. Bareksten is said to have ‘the seal of approval’ from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who said: “Bareksten Spirits in Bergen is producing a London Dry Gin that any Brit would go crazy for.” The brand is believed to account for 50% of Norway’s domestic gin sales. The range is currently served at luxury London hotels The Savoy and The Ritz, and is sold via retailers including Master of Malt, Speciality Drinks and Threshers for an RRP £39-£44 (US$48-$54). Bareksten was awarded a Master medal for its Double Gin in the first blind tasting of our Gin Masters 2022.
