Description
Mirko says: “My first experience with Empirical Spirits was when I was living in Copenhagen. I was fortunate to meet Sasha (now back in Singapore as their Brand Ambassador) who took me for a tour of their facilities. They consider themselves a ‘flavour company’, as opposed to being pigeon-holed by a single type of spirit. Their way of challenging conventions, always striving to push boundaries as well as themselves, very much paralleled my inner drive as well.
Ayuuk is an interesting one. I’m not the biggest fan of spice, but I really like this; it’s such a unique base ingredient that adds so much character. Very precise in flavour, lots of intensity yet balanced. I’ve always got a bottle at home (that I love mixing with some fresh lime and ginger beer).
The Can 03 has become my cheeky go-to. Fresh & vibrant, it’s a nice number that transports me back to my beautiful Puglia, with the presence of figs and carob which I love. These flavours really remind me of home, and the sunshine of late summer foraging fresh figs to combine them with carob in old Apulian recipes.”
Based in Copenhagen since 2017, Empirical is the brainchild of two noma alumni—it’s no surprise they’re constantly looking at things in a different light and challenging the status quo. They use low-temperature distillation with extended fermentation times, using a unique spirit base made from koji, with an array of ingredients not commonly seen from a global perspective. The products certainly don’t fit neatly into standard spirit categories like gin or vodka, but Lars and Mark use this fully as an advantage in challenging convention. The products are deliciously approachable and designed to be enjoyed with simple mixers in the comfort of home, down by the beach or in a park with friends, with components for more elaborate cocktail creations.
