About Hernö Gin
Hernö Gin stands as the globe's premier and most lauded producer of craft gin, establishing itself as a trailblazer by founding Sweden's inaugural gin distillery in 2011. This endeavor was born from a fervent appreciation for the juniper-rich spirit and a vision that blossomed into the art of gin creation.
The genesis of Hernö Gin saw its founder, Jon Hillgren, embarking on a global quest. He ventured to gin distilleries across the world, driven by an insatiable desire for knowledge and the pursuit of inspiration. His journey led him to the quaint village of Dala, nestled just outside Härnösand on Sweden's scenic High Coast.
At the heart of Hernö Gin's production are the world's most awarded gins, meticulously crafted from natural, organic botanicals in the hand-hammered copper stills named Kierstin, Marit, and Yvonne. With a philosophy rooted in craftsmanship, transparency throughout the crafting process, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Hernö Gin aspires to elevate the premium gin experience to households worldwide. Discover the essence of premium gin culture with Hernö Gin, now featured on Liquor Wine Cave, where we celebrate the artistry behind every bottle.
History
Hernö Gin was founded in 2011 by Jon Hillgren, who is also its master distiller. Before starting the distillery, he travelled to gin distilleries around the world, then bought a farm dating from the 1800s in Dala, near Härnösand on the High Coast of Sweden, a World Heritage site. Hernö describes itself as the first dedicated gin distillery in Sweden.
The gin is distilled in hand-hammered copper stills named Kierstin and Marit. The base is organic spirit made from Swedish wheat, cut with water from the distillery's own well in Dala, and every botanical is organic. Hernö Dry Gin uses eight: juniper, coriander, lemon peel, lingonberries, meadowsweet, black pepper, cassia and vanilla.
From that one distillate come several styles. Hernö Dry Gin is a London Dry bottled at 40.5%. Hernö Navy Strength is the same gin diluted to 57% instead, giving a richer flavour with bolder juniper, coriander and citrus. Hernö Old Tom adds extra meadowsweet during distillation and a light sweetening after dilution to 43%, which lifts the floral notes. Hernö Sloe Gin is Hernö Dry Gin rested for three months with ripe organic sloe berries, then sweetened to balance the dryness of the fruit.
To see how these styles fit into the wider gin family, read our guide to gin styles explained.
How to drink it
Each Hernö gin suits a slightly different serve. Start with a standard measure of 30 to 45 ml of gin and adjust the mixer to taste.
Gin and tonic: Hernö serves a gin and tonic in its distillery tastings. A good starting point is 30 ml of Hernö Dry Gin over plenty of ice in a tall glass, topped with about 90 to 120 ml of a neutral tonic. A strip of lemon peel echoes the citrus in the botanicals.
Martini: Hernö Dry Gin makes a clean, juniper-led Martini. Stir 45 ml of gin with a small amount of dry vermouth over ice and strain into a chilled glass. For a fuller, more peppery Martini, use Navy Strength at 57%, and consider a smaller pour given the strength.
Old Tom: the extra meadowsweet and light sweetness of Hernö Old Tom suit classic recipes written for the style, such as a Martinez with sweet vermouth, or a Tom Collins with lemon juice and soda water.
Sloe gin: Hernö suggests enjoying its Sloe Gin on its own or in a gin and tonic. It also works in a French 75 topped with sparkling wine, or simply poured over ice.
Explore more bottles in our gin collection, and enjoy responsibly.
More from this origin and style: