Nordisk Brænderi, Polar Bear Gin, Denmark (41.2%, 50cl)

Nordisk Brænderi Polar Bear Gin is hand-distilled by founder Anders Bilgram at his award-winning micro-distillery in Fjerritslev, Denmark. The inspiration for this small-batch release stems directly from Bilgram's previous life as an Arctic expedition leader, where an unforgettable, close-range encounter with a polar bear inspired him to bottle the aromatic essence of the far north.

The production focuses on a selection of rare, wild botanicals sourced directly from Greenland, honoring the natural habitat of the polar bear. Along with a classic backbone of juniper, the gin is infused with hand-selected Greenlandic angelica root, crowberries (sortebær/revling), and fireweed (gederams), the official national flower of Greenland. It is proofed down to a precise 41.2% ABV using local water, preserving a delicate, pristine character.

The nose is exceptionally fresh, clean, and aromatic, leading with crisp juniper and an almost cool, atmospheric breeze of green herbs and wild floral notes. On the palate, the liquid is light, bright, and silky, balancing the piney warmth of juniper with a distinct, mild sweetness from the fireweed and a delicate, earthy complexity from the angelica root. The finish is remarkably crisp and long, fading out with a refreshing green herbal quality and a subtle, cool fruitiness from the wild northern berries.