COFFEE BACKGROUND & INFO

At Norse Code, we take pride in crafting coffee liqueurs that push the boundaries of flavour, balance, and craftsmanship. Our range has been recognised internationally, earning top awards for both Hel Above Coffee Liqueur and Hel Below Coffee Liqueur.

In 2025, Hel Above received a Bronze Medal at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), while Hel Below achieved a Gold Medal at the Global Liqueur Masters, establishing Norse Code as one of the most awarded modern coffee liqueur brands.

These accolades highlight our commitment to quality, from sourcing speciality coffee to perfecting the spirit base. Each award represents the dedication of our team to creating coffee liqueurs that are exceptional for sipping or cocktails.

Explore our award-winning liqueurs below to learn more about each medal-winning spirit and the competitions that recognised them.
Discover Norse Code During the Eat Yorkshire Campaign 2026
Discover Norse Code During the Eat Yorkshire Campaign 2026
Every March, the Eat Yorkshire campaign shines a spotlight on the incredible independent food and drink producers across the county. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Yorkshire’s culinary scene... Read more...
Mastering Pre Batch Espresso Martinis | Foam, Coffee Liqueur & Sugar Balance
Mastering Pre Batch Espresso Martinis | Foam, Coffee Liqueur & Sugar Balance
Master the art of batching espresso martinis with premium coffee liqueur, the right sugar composition, and foam techniques that elevate flavour and presentation. Read more...
Why Low Prices Are Holding Back Coffee Liqueurs | Quality vs Cost in Bars
Why Low Prices Are Holding Back Coffee Liqueurs | Quality vs Cost in Bars
Bars are stuck between low-cost liqueurs and premium quality. See how market pressure limits flavour, and what could change with just 10p more per measure. Read more...
The Evolution of Craft Coffee Liqueur & Why Precision Matters
The Evolution of Craft Coffee Liqueur & Why Precision Matters
Craft coffee liqueur began with transparency, extraction science, and respect for the bean. As the category evolves, precision still matters. Here’s why process, sugar balance, and honest production choices remain... Read more...
Why Most Cold Brew Coffee Liqueurs Aren't Perfect | Freshness, Base Spirit, and Blending
Why Most Cold Brew Coffee Liqueurs Aren't Perfect | Freshness, Base Spirit, and Blending
Most cold brew coffee liqueurs lose flavour due to old extracts or poor base spirits. Fresh coffee and quality wheat vodka make the difference. Read more...
Why Maceration Extraction Is Holding Coffee Liqueur Back
Why Maceration Extraction Is Holding Coffee Liqueur Back
Why traditional coffee liqueur maceration loses flavour and how modern methods brew first, then add spirit. Read more...
Single Origin Sugar in Coffee Liqueur: Muscovado vs Demerara Explained
Single Origin Sugar in Coffee Liqueur: Muscovado vs Demerara Explained
We use single origin muscovado and demerara sugar from Mauritius in our coffee liqueur. Here’s why provenance, traceability and flavour matter. Read more...
Norse Code: A Master-Crafted Coffee Liqueur | Award-Winning Spirits
Norse Code: A Master-Crafted Coffee Liqueur | Award-Winning Spirits
Norse Code is redefining the coffee liqueur category with precision, care, and craft. Designed for sipping, cocktails, and culinary applications, each bottle is a showcase of flavour, balance, and expertise. Read more...
The Ultimate Guide to Espresso Martinis in York — Featuring Norse Code Coffee Liqueur
The Ultimate Guide to Espresso Martinis in York — Featuring Norse Code Coffee Liqueur
Espresso Martinis are taking York by storm, and Norse Code Coffee Liqueur is at the heart of the buzz. Handcrafted in Yorkshire with our smooth Cold Filter Brew, it brings... Read more...
Challenging The Way We Brew Coffee For The Better
Challenging The Way We Brew Coffee For The Better
UK Brewers Cup Champion Gordon Howell examines modern coffee brewing, offering expert insights to improve extraction, aroma, and flavour clarity for specialty coffee. Read more...
Interview with Gordon Howell - Part 1
Interview with Gordon Howell - Part 1
Discover the journey of Gordon Howell, UK Barista Champion and creator of Norse Code Coffee Liqueur. In this interview, he shares insights into competitions, judging, brewing innovations, and his passion... Read more...
Gordon Howell: UK Brewers Cup 2015 Champion
Gordon Howell: UK Brewers Cup 2015 Champion
UK Brewers Cup 2015 champion Gordon Howell shares his award-winning routine and expert insights. Watch his full routine and learn from a master barista. Read more...
Irish coffee accolade for York barista Gordon Howell
Irish coffee accolade for York barista Gordon Howell
York barista Gordon Howell, owner of The Attic, won the world’s best Irish coffee in Nice. Explore his award-winning techniques, coffee mastery, and passion for brewing excellence. Read more...