Hel Above vs Hel Below | Which NORSE CODE Should I Choose?

Quick Answer

Choose Hel Above if you want a stronger, brighter coffee liqueur designed for Espresso Martinis and coffee-forward cocktails.

Choose Hel Below if you want a richer, smoother coffee liqueur designed for Baby Guinness shots, layered serves and indulgent coffee cocktails.

Both are Yorkshire-made Cold-Filter Brew coffee liqueurs created by Coffee Spirit Co and developed through competition coffee expertise.

Hel Above vs Hel Below Comparison

Feature Hel Above Hel Below
ABV 22% 16%
Best For Espresso Martinis Baby Guinness
Style Brighter, stronger, coffee-forward Richer, smoother, fuller-bodied
Cocktail Role Structure, clarity and espresso balance Texture, layering and indulgent coffee depth
Awards International Spirits Challenge recognition World Liqueur Awards Country Winner and Global Liqueur Masters Gold
Trade Format 70cl bottle and 4.9 litre trade tub 70cl bottle and 4.9 litre trade tub

Choose Hel Above For Espresso Martinis

NORSE CODE Hel Above is our 22% ABV coffee liqueur designed for Espresso Martinis and coffee-forward cocktails.

It brings structure, coffee clarity and balanced sweetness to modern serves, helping fresh espresso remain the focus rather than being overwhelmed by heavy sweetness.

Choose Hel Above if you want:

  • A brighter coffee liqueur.
  • More cocktail structure.
  • A stronger 22% ABV expression.
  • Better Espresso Martini performance.
  • A coffee-forward profile for modern cocktails.

Shop Hel Above

Read the Ultimate Espresso Martini Guide

Choose Hel Below For Baby Guinness

NORSE CODE Hel Below is our richer 16% ABV coffee liqueur designed for Baby Guinness shots, layered cocktails, smoother Espresso Martinis and after-dinner serves.

It has a fuller texture and rounded profile, making it especially suited to layering beneath cream liqueur while still delivering real coffee character.

Hel Below was named Country Winner for England at the 2026 World Liqueur Awards, part of the World Drinks Awards, and awarded Gold at the Global Liqueur Masters.

Choose Hel Below if you want:

  • A richer coffee liqueur.
  • A smoother, fuller-bodied profile.
  • The best option for Baby Guinness shots.
  • Award-winning coffee liqueur recognition.
  • A softer style for after-dinner drinks and layered serves.

Shop Hel Below

Read the Baby Guinness Guide

Can Hel Below Make Espresso Martinis?

Yes. Hel Below can make a richer, smoother and more indulgent Espresso Martini.

If you want a classic modern Espresso Martini with more structure and coffee clarity, choose Hel Above. If you prefer a softer, rounder and more dessert-like Espresso Martini, Hel Below works well.

Can Hel Above Make Baby Guinness?

Hel Above can be used in layered serves, but Hel Below is the better choice for Baby Guinness.

Hel Below was created with the density, texture and rounded sweetness needed to sit beneath cream liqueur and create a clean layered serve.

Both Are Built Around Cold-Filter Brew Coffee

Both Hel Above and Hel Below are made using our Cold-Filter Brew process, developed to preserve real coffee character, smoothness and balance.

Rather than relying on generic coffee flavouring or excessive sweetness, NORSE CODE starts with coffee and builds the spirit around it.

Discover the Cold-Filter Brew Method

Created By Coffee Professionals

NORSE CODE was developed through competition coffee expertise, led by Gordon Howell, UK Brewers Cup Champion and UK Coffee in Good Spirits Champion.

That coffee-first approach shaped both Hel Above and Hel Below, giving each product a clear purpose in the glass.

Learn more about Coffee Spirit Co

Trade Tubs For Bars & Hospitality

Both Hel Above and Hel Below are available in 4.9 litre trade tubs for bars, restaurants, hotels, events and hospitality groups.

The 4.9 litre format is equivalent to approximately seven 70cl bottles and helps reduce glass waste, storage space and handling behind the bar.

Contact us for trade enquiries

Awards & Recognition

NORSE CODE has been recognised across respected drinks competitions, including the World Liqueur Awards, Global Liqueur Masters and International Spirits Challenge.

  • Hel Below: World Liqueur Awards 2026 — Country Winner for England.
  • Hel Below: Global Liqueur Masters — Gold Medal.
  • Hel Above: International Spirits Challenge — Bronze Medal.

View Awards & Recognition

Which One Should You Buy?

If You Want... Choose
The best Espresso Martini performance Hel Above
Baby Guinness shots Hel Below
Higher ABV and stronger cocktail structure Hel Above
Richer, smoother coffee cocktails Hel Below
England's award-winning coffee liqueur Hel Below

Explore More

FAQs

What is the difference between Hel Above and Hel Below?

Hel Above is the stronger 22% ABV coffee liqueur designed for Espresso Martinis and coffee-forward cocktails. Hel Below is the richer 16% ABV coffee liqueur designed for Baby Guinness shots, layered serves and smoother cocktails.

Which NORSE CODE is best for Espresso Martinis?

Hel Above is the best choice for a brighter, stronger and more structured Espresso Martini. Hel Below can also be used for a richer and smoother Espresso Martini.

Which NORSE CODE is best for Baby Guinness?

Hel Below is the best choice for Baby Guinness shots because it was designed with the density, texture and rounded sweetness needed for layered serves.

Which NORSE CODE is stronger?

Hel Above is stronger at 22% ABV. Hel Below is 16% ABV.

Which NORSE CODE is award-winning?

Both have received recognition. Hel Below was named Country Winner for England at the 2026 World Liqueur Awards and awarded Gold at the Global Liqueur Masters. Hel Above has received International Spirits Challenge recognition.

Are Hel Above and Hel Below available for trade?

Yes. Both are available in 70cl bottles and 4.9 litre trade tubs for bars, restaurants, hotels and hospitality venues.