Empirical Spirits Fallen Pony Blend

Unique, rare, one-of-a-kind: these superlatives often deflate under closer scrutiny. Not so here. Based in Copenhagen, Empirical Spirits is the brainchild of Noma alums Mark Emil Hermansen and Lars Williams. With the same sense of experimentation and focus on local ingredients they had with food, they're now exploring the boundaries of distillation. The results are a radical rethinking of what's drinkable. Using Eastern and Western concepts they make everything from scratch.The Charlene McGee (from Stephen King's Firestarter), is made with local organic juniper that's smoked with juniper wood and finished in oloroso casks. Aromas of piney smoke are followed by a soft smokiness on the palate. It's a smooth, plush sip, slightly sweet, with an evergreen brightness. Drink neat after dinner or pair with Nordic cuisine, smoked fish or salmon.