Empirical extends portfolio

Danish distiller Empirical is rolling out its Soka and Symphony 6 bottlings to the UK, both designed to ‘defy status quo’.

Both drinks were launched as part of the brand’s ‘uncategorised’ concept, with the spirits ‘breaking away’ from traditional categories but maintaining a close connection to spirits ingredients.

The two flavours come from co-founder Lars Williams.

He said: “Both Soka and Symphony 6 are the further evolution of the hard work and creative process that has been at the heart of Empirical. Each in their own way connects a sense memory or a landscape to a flavour experience.”

The Soka bottling is made using the stalks from sorghum cane as the main ingredient. The cane juice is said to showcase the flavour of its terroir, with notes of spring with melon, cucumber and green apple, whilst the syrup the team has created from the stalks brings forward darker aromas of hay and toasted honey.

Meanwhile, the Symphony 6 spirit is crafted using six ‘fragrant leaves’, resulting in a vibrant, citrusy and musky spirit.

It boasts notes of mandarin, lemon, coffee, black currant and fig leaves, elevated by ‘deep notes’ of ambrette seeds and vetiver roots.

Soka and Symphony 6 will join the brands range which includes a selection of canned drinks named Can 01, Can 02, and Can 03.

Empirical was founded in 2017 by Lars Williams and Mark Emil Hermansen, who have both previously worked at the famed Noma restaurant in Denmark’s capital.

Last year, Empirical entered the culinary space with the launch of a collection of sauces and cooking ingredients.

Earlier this year, the brand revealed that it will open its first distillery in North America this summer, while simultaneously closing its Copenhagen production site.