Cold Filter Brewed Coffee Liqueur

Cold-Filter Brewed Coffee Liqueur

A Different Approach to Coffee Liqueur

Most coffee liqueurs start with alcohol.

At NORSE CODE, we start with coffee.

Our cold-filter brew method was developed to capture the flavour, sweetness and complexity of specialty coffee while avoiding the bitterness, staleness and harsh extraction often associated with traditional coffee liqueur production.

The result is an award-winning coffee liqueur with genuine coffee character, exceptional balance and outstanding cocktail performance.

What Is Cold-Filter Brew?

Cold-filter brewing is our proprietary brewing process developed by co-founder Gordon Howell after decades working in specialty coffee.

Unlike traditional coffee liqueur production methods, which often involve coffee concentrates, hot extraction, flavourings or maceration of roasted coffee in alcohol, our process focuses on brewing coffee first and building the spirit around it.

By carefully controlling extraction, filtration and blending, we preserve more of the coffee's natural sweetness and complexity.

Why Most Coffee Liqueurs Taste Bitter

Coffee is incredibly sensitive to how it is brewed. Over-extraction can create harsh bitterness, burnt flavours, dry finishes and excessive roast character.

Many coffee liqueurs compensate for this by increasing sugar levels. While sweetness can hide bitterness, it often masks the coffee itself.

At NORSE CODE, our objective is different. We aim to showcase coffee rather than conceal it.

Developed by an Award-Winning Coffee Professional

Our cold-filter brew process was developed by Gordon Howell, whose coffee background includes UK Brewers Cup Champion, UK Coffee in Good Spirits Champion, international competition finalist, SCA trainer and coffee competition judge.

Rather than adapting a spirits recipe to include coffee, Gordon approached NORSE CODE from the perspective of a coffee professional seeking to preserve flavour, aroma and balance.

Built Around Specialty Coffee

Great coffee liqueur starts with great coffee. That's why we work with carefully selected specialty-grade coffee roasted in Yorkshire.

Every coffee chosen for NORSE CODE must deliver natural sweetness, chocolate notes, caramel complexity, balanced acidity and consistency in production.

Designed for Better Espresso Martinis

An Espresso Martini is only as good as the coffee liqueur behind it.

Our approach is to create a better foundation from the start, with authentic coffee flavour, balanced sweetness, improved mouthfeel and greater consistency in service.

For cocktail use, explore Hel Above Coffee Liqueur, our coffee-forward liqueur developed for Espresso Martinis.

Ideal for Baby Guinness and Layered Serves

For richer, smoother and more indulgent serves, Hel Below Coffee Liqueur offers the density and texture needed for Baby Guinness shots and layered cocktails.

Hel Below was named Country Winner for England at the 2026 World Liqueur Awards, recognising it as one of the leading coffee liqueurs produced in the country.

Award-Winning Results

The quality of our approach has been recognised by leading drinks competitions.

Hel Below

World Liqueur Awards 2026 – Country Winner for England
Global Liqueur Masters – Gold Medal

Hel Above

International Spirits Challenge – Bronze Medal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cold-filter brewed coffee liqueur?

Cold-filter brewed coffee liqueur is made using a brewing process designed to preserve coffee flavour and sweetness while reducing bitterness and harsh extraction.

Is cold-filter brewing the same as cold brew?

Not exactly. Both focus on preserving flavour and reducing bitterness, but NORSE CODE uses a proprietary cold-filter brew process developed specifically for producing coffee liqueur.

Is NORSE CODE made with real coffee?

Yes. NORSE CODE is built around specialty-grade coffee and a brewing process designed to showcase genuine coffee character.

Which NORSE CODE coffee liqueur is best for Espresso Martinis?

Hel Above was specifically developed for Espresso Martinis with balanced sweetness and a coffee-forward profile.

Which NORSE CODE coffee liqueur is best for Baby Guinness?

Hel Below was developed for richer, smoother serves and works especially well in Baby Guinness shots.

Discover a Different Style of Coffee Liqueur

At NORSE CODE, we believe coffee deserves the same respect as any other premium ingredient.

Crafted in Yorkshire. Developed by coffee professionals. Built around real coffee.

Explore our award-winning coffee liqueurs and discover the difference a coffee-first approach can make.

Learn more about why NORSE CODE is recognised as one of the UK's leading coffee liqueur producers on our Best Coffee Liqueur UK and Yorkshire Coffee Liqueur pages.

THE COFFEE SPIRIT COMPANY

Born from the fusion of coffee and vodka, the Coffee Spirit Company was established in Yorkshire with a single mission: to craft coffee liqueur to impeccable standards.

Driven by a passion for premium, artisanal coffee and meticulously balanced spirits, Gordon and Yan bring decades of expertise at the very pinnacle of their crafts. Over more than 30 years, they’ve competed globally against the industry’s best, earning numerous prestigious accolades along the way.

This unrivalled mastery and shared dedication to quality has led to a natural and inevitable collaboration, delivering coffee liqueurs that are bold, refined, and distinctly Yorkshire.

COFFEE PEDIGREE

Our journey begins with Gordon Howell, legendary brewmaster and head of coffee at Norse Code. Gordon has represented the UK in global coffee competitions, including 2015 WBrC (7th place) and 2013 WCIGS (3rd place), and has served as a sensory judge for the UKBC (2013 & 2014) and UK CIGS (2014 & 2015).

For over a decade, he was an SCA-accredited trainer, teaching barista skills and brewing mastery. Today, he focuses on one-to-one mentoring, helping coffee professionals gain intermediate and professional accreditation. His expertise spans daily coffee shop operations, competition judging, and advanced brewing techniques.

Gordon also contributes to World Coffee Events, has been a Dalla Corte Pro, and co-founded Tone Brewing Equipment, innovating in coffee technology worldwide. Every Norse Code product benefits from his precision, experience, and unparalleled skill.

THE DRINKS INDUSTRY

Over the past decade, Yan has shaped the UK craft beer and hospitality sector. He has pioneered award-winning venues like The Euston Tap, introduced first pours from breweries such as Stone, Thornbridge, Odell, Sierra Nevada, Dogfish Head, and Cantillon, and collaborated with emerging brands like BrewDog, Camden, Beavertown, and Magic Rock.

He has also worked on distribution for Sipsmith in the north, developed bespoke beverages distribution for iconic bands like Madness and Spandau Ballet, and introduced exclusive imports to the UK. Yan’s expertise ensures Norse Code is built on innovation, quality, and deep industry insight, supporting both trade and consumer excellence.

DANELAW, ROASTING & OUR BEANS

Thanks to Dave Jameson, founder of Dane Law Coffee Roasters in Holmfirth, Yorkshire, we only use speciality-grade beans with full traceability.

Hel Above and Below Coffee Liqueur features beans with Medium roast blend of washed and natural coffees from Latin America.

Dave’s credentials are remarkable:

Two-time UK Coffee in Good Spirits Champion
Q-Arabica Grader (licensed professional coffee taster)
Coach of the 2017 World Coffee in Good Spirits Champion
Judge at the World Barista Championship and master of ceremonies for coffee events across Europe
World Coffee Events AllStar, with experience spanning five continents
Responsible for coffees that have won over 50 Great Taste Award stars

Every bottle of Norse Code coffee liqueur reflects this expert craftsmanship and dedication to flavour.

WHY THE HEL?

In Norse mythology, Hel is the goddess of the underworld, balancing life and death. Her story intertwines with the history of modern-day York, founded on the Viking settlement of Jorvik. Archaeology, folklore, and city heritage still reflect her influence.

Adding another layer of resonance, our coffee is crafted on the former site of Erik Bloodaxe’s palace in York, blending ancient myth and local history with modern craftsmanship. Every sip of Hel’s Coffee Liqueur is a journey through legend, heritage, and exceptional flavour.