Judging
Date
July 27, 2025
Warehouse
Deadline
July 10, 2025
Winners
Announcement
August 12, 2025
In the remote and mystical landscapes of Bergen, Norway, where the dense forests conceal secrets beneath their leafy canopies, Oss Craft Distillery emerges as a haven for those seeking the essence of Norwegian nature in a bottle. Operated by the visionary Stig Bareksten, Bareksten Spirits embodies the spirit of the wilderness, combining indigenous herbs, wild berries, and pure Norwegian water to craft exceptional spirits that capture the very essence of Norway.
The Nordic Alchemy
Distilled at the Oss Craft Distillery, Bareksten Spirits is an ode to the untamed, a tribute to the otherworldly forests of Norway. At its core, this range of exceptional spirits is created using potatoes as the base ingredient, delivering a delightfully smooth mouthfeel that sets them apart from the rest. The soul of these spirits is intricately intertwined with the pristine waters of Norway, a testament to the purity of flavor and quality that defines Bareksten.
The Bareksten Spirits family is a diverse and captivating one, with something to delight every palate. The Botanical Gin, Navy Strength Gin, Sloe Gin, Absint, and the Scandinavian favorite, Aquavit, all share a commitment to delivering a unique taste experience.
Image Credit: Stig Bareksten Image Source: OSS CRAFT Distillery Facebook
The Man Behind the Magic
Stig Bareksten, the mastermind behind this remarkable journey into the world of craft distillation, is no stranger to the enchanted forests that inspired his creations. As an experienced forager and distiller, he merged his botanical expertise with a fascination for the enigmatic forests of Norway, giving birth to Bareksten Spirits in 2015.
His commitment to crafting spirits of unparalleled quality has been widely recognized, as evidenced by the numerous awards Bareksten Spirits has garnered. In June 2022, the Bareksten Navy Strength Gin was named "Spirit of the Year" in a blind-tasting competition in London, triumphing over 2,500 drinks from various spirit categories.
A Taste of the Norwegian Wilderness
Bareksten Spirits is more than just a collection of beverages; it is a journey through the very essence of Norway's character and landscape. The spirits reflect the dark, wild, breathtaking, and dramatic qualities that define the Norwegian wilderness. The clean flavors they offer are a homage to ancient craft traditions, where purity and quality reign supreme.
Image Source: OSS CRAFT Distillery Facebook
The Birthplace of the Forest Spirits
The heart and soul of Bareksten Spirits reside in the mighty Norwegian forests, where sunlight seldom reaches the forest floor. It is in these isolated, ethereal landscapes, said to be inhabited only by the elusive 'Hulder' wood nymphs who dwell beneath the earth, that Bareksten finds its inspiration. Here, amidst silent trees and imposing mountains, raw nature and mysterious forests, indigenous berries and herbs are gathered and skillfully transformed by Norwegian hands into exquisite spirits.
Bareksten is more than just a brand; it is the bottled essence of Norwegian nature. It is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of craft and nature, where every sip is a journey into the heart of the wilderness. In Bareksten Spirits, craft has truly found its spirit, and its remarkable flavors are a testament to the dedication of Stig Bareksten and his team in capturing the essence of Norway's untamed landscapes.
The next time you take a sip of Bareksten Spirits, remember that you are not just enjoying a drink; you are embarking on a sensory expedition through the dark and wild heart of Norwegian spirits, where the magic of nature meets the craftsmanship of the distiller. Cheers to the essence of Norway, captured in every bottle.
Bareksten Spirits’s Bareksten Old Tom achieved the best score at the 2023 USA Spirits Ratings making it Best in Show by Country Category and Gold with a score of 93 points.
An Old Tom gin with great juniper presence and balanced flavors. Refined nose with juniper, fern, and star anise. Expressive, harmonious palate with a hint of sweetness and complex flavors.
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