Review

Hammer Gin

Arcus Beverage, Rodeløkka, Oslo, Norway (also Hamar for rectification and Oslo for bottling). Imported by Kobrand Spirits, Purchase, New York, USA.

Arcus Beverage and Kobrand Spirits.

Arcus is the largest supplier and producer of spirits in Norway. This Gin was launched in 2003 and they are the first to produce Gin in Norway.

This is made to an English recipe dating back to 1776. We believe the base spirit is derived from potatoes. Naturally filtered water from volcanic rock is used from nearby Hadeland Springs. Although details are vague, we are informed they use a double distillation process plus a special unique filtration system, which results (one hopes) in a pure, clear and more flavorsome Gin.

It is presented in a tall, clear, rectangular bottle (the same or very similar to those used by Hayman’s) with a violet tint to it.

London Dry Gin.

40% (80 Proof).

$$ - $$$. Available online, try: Artizone, Total Beverage and Vines Wine Shop.

Unknown, but we are told they are from the wild!

Unknown, however the use of the word Hammer does have roots in Scandinavian heritage (think Vikings) and of course, Norse mythology such as Thor, the God of Thunder.

On the nose is citrus and juniper with spice (coriander) notes. On the palate this medium bodied spirit is crisp with clear juniper, citrus (lemon) and spice. The finish is warm and dry with juniper and spice (possibly caraway and anise). The spice is light but there is an underlying complexity, which entices our senses – we think there may even be some violets here (and this would link with the violet tint on the packaging).

This is a full flavored Gin in the classic London Dry sense - the juniper is strong. This is a Gin lover’s spirit, making a good Martini and Gin & Tonic – we kept on sampling longer than usual! Although we have not tried this in other Gin based mixed drinks, this is robust enough in flavor, for us to believe it would be versatile in many. Next time we aim to try Gimlets and Pink Gins, let us know how you get on with trying this Gin.

88 Points, Beverage Testing Institute.

Gold Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2010.

Gold Meal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2009.

Silver Medal, International Wine and Spirit Competition, 2008.