The story about us

Oslo håndverkdestilleri

We at Oslo Håndverksdestilleri want to capture the taste of Norway and the Nordic countries through distillation. We want our spirits to have a sense of place. Therefore we focus on using plants that grow wild in Norway, you can recognize the smell of mountains, meadows and forests in what we make. Several of these plants are often referred to today as weeds but have been used as medicinal plants and to flavour alcohol for hundreds of years. We have also been inspired by the New Nordic cuisine. We are striving for our spirits to have bright and balanced flavours and we work to collect local crops when they are in season.

Norway has a long tradition of independent craft distillation that was almost forgotten. At one time, there were over 10,000 registered distilleries in the country, but a ban on liquor meant the end of these. In 1927, a state monopoly was introduced for distillation and for the next 80 years, industrial production of a handful of recipes was the fate of Norwegian distillation. Through small-scale craft production, we want to recreate some of the lost traditions.

At the same time as we have committed ourselves to Nordic tastes and traditions. At the same time we are constantly working on innovation. We strive every day to find creative solutions that make it possible to create the best spirits with a clear Nordic taste profile. There may be new techniques and composition of plants that can be used instead of citrus and coriander in gin. Or to age aquavit in whisky casks instead of the traditional sherry casks. Or to use Norwegian botanicals in distilling vodka instead of adding sugar to achieve a creamy mouthfeel.

Oslo Handicraft Distillery was founded by three highly experienced member’s  of the beverage industry. Marius Vestnes established the beer and spirits importer Cask in the Nordic market. Marcin Miller has built up Japanese whisky in the west and co-founded the Kyoto Distillery. Martin Krajewski comes from the wine industry and runs several wineries, including two in Bordeaux. With such a gang behind us, it has always been natural for the distillery to think internationally. Akevitt has had a rising star for several years and Nordic cuisine has been a dominant food trend for the past  ten years. Our focus on real Norwegian flavours has therefore had a strong appeal. Our products have won a number of highly regarded awards internationally, including Vidda Tørr gin and Akevitt Blank being named one of the world's best on several occasions. Spirits from Oslo Håndverksdestilleri  are now available in several of the best bars around the world.

The distillery itself is located in a venerable brick building that has housed industry along the Alna River at Bryn in Oslo since the 19th century. The still we use comes from the renowned manufacturer Carl and is a hybrid pan that can hold up to 650  litres. We have also built a bar at the distillery where you can come and experience the distillery and our products at open evenings, tastings, or private events.

But mostly we are a small bunch who like a good drink and a laugh.