Press & Media

Coffee Spirit Co Ltd is the Yorkshire-based producer of NORSE CODE, an award-winning range of coffee liqueurs developed by UK Brewers Cup Champion Gordon Howell and crafted for modern coffee cocktails.

NORSE CODE was developed by Gordon Howell, whose coffee career spans more than two decades of competition, judging, training and brewing innovation.

Hel Below was named England Coffee Liqueur Country Winner at the 2026 World Liqueur Awards and previously won Gold at the Global Liqueur Masters.

This page provides key information for journalists, editors, bloggers, trade buyers and media contacts covering NORSE CODE, Coffee Spirit Co and its award-winning Yorkshire coffee liqueurs.

Coffee Spirit Co founders Yan and Gordon Howell in York

Coffee Spirit Co co-founders Yan and Gordon Howell in York. Gordon Howell is a UK Brewers Cup Champion, UK Coffee in Good Spirits Champion, 3rd Place World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship finisher and 7th Place World Brewers Cup finalist.

Featured In The Press

York Press | June 2026

York Press reported on Coffee Spirit Co following Hel Below being named England Coffee Liqueur Country Winner at the 2026 World Liqueur Awards.

Coffee Spirit Co and NORSE CODE were featured by York Press following Hel Below being named England Coffee Liqueur Country Winner at the 2026 World Liqueur Awards.

The feature highlighted Coffee Spirit Co's Yorkshire roots, the story behind NORSE CODE and Hel Below's success at the World Liqueur Awards.

Read the York Press article

Awards & Recognition

World Liqueur Awards 2026: Hel Below — Country Winner, England Coffee Liqueur.
Global Liqueur Masters 2025: Hel Below — Gold Medal.
International Spirits Challenge 2025: Hel Above — Bronze Medal.

View Awards & Recognition

About Coffee Spirit Co & NORSE CODE

Coffee Spirit Co Ltd is the Yorkshire-based producer of NORSE CODE, an award-winning range of coffee liqueurs developed by UK Brewers Cup Champion Gordon Howell. Founded by drinks industry professional Yan and Gordon Howell, the company combines speciality coffee expertise with small-batch spirit production.

Using its Cold-Filter Brew process, NORSE CODE is designed to showcase real coffee character while delivering strong cocktail performance. The range includes Hel Above, developed for Espresso Martinis, and Hel Below, named England Coffee Liqueur Country Winner at the 2026 World Liqueur Awards, part of the World Drinks Awards, and Gold Medal winner at the Global Liqueur Masters.

In 2026, Hel Below was named England Coffee Liqueur Country Winner at the World Liqueur Awards, adding to a growing list of national and international spirits competition accolades for the brand.

Produced in Yorkshire and available in both retail and trade formats, NORSE CODE is supplied to bars, restaurants, hotels and coffee lovers throughout the UK.

Why The Name NORSE CODE?

The NORSE CODE name is inspired by York's Viking heritage and the idea that great coffee and great spirits both rely on knowledge, craftsmanship and attention to detail. The brand takes inspiration from the city's Norse history while remaining focused on modern coffee culture and cocktail performance.

Many of the places associated with the brand sit within the historic heart of York, a city shaped by its Scandinavian past. The name reflects both that heritage and the pursuit of mastering coffee and spirits.

Read the full NORSE CODE story

Short Media Description

Coffee Spirit Co Ltd produces NORSE CODE, an award-winning range of Yorkshire coffee liqueurs developed by UK Brewers Cup Champion Gordon Howell. Crafted using a Cold-Filter Brew process, NORSE CODE is designed for Espresso Martinis, Baby Guinness shots and modern coffee cocktails.

Key Facts

Company: Coffee Spirit Co Ltd
Brand: NORSE CODE
Category: Coffee liqueur
Location: Yorkshire, England
York connection: Inspired by York's Norse heritage and available in King's Square through Harlequin Coffee House, where Gordon Howell continues to brew coffee.
Core products: Hel Above, Hel Below and EX-01 Exceptional Series
Production method: Cold-Filter Brew coffee liqueur
Formats: 70cl bottles and 4.9 litre trade tubs
Trade use: Espresso Martinis, Baby Guinness shots and coffee cocktails
Developed by: UK Brewers Cup Champion Gordon Howell
Founded by: Drinks industry professional Yan and Gordon Howell

Founder Information

Gordon Howell is co-founder of Coffee Spirit Co and one of the UK's most accomplished coffee professionals. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has won the UK Brewers Cup Championship, won the UK Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, placed 3rd at the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, placed 7th at the World Brewers Cup Championship and served as a competition judge and trainer within the speciality coffee industry.

UK Brewers Cup Champion (2015)
UK Coffee in Good Spirits Champion
3rd Place – World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship (2013)
7th Place – World Brewers Cup Championship (2015)
Coffee competition judge and trainer
More than two decades working across speciality coffee, hospitality and brewing

Yan is co-founder of Coffee Spirit Co and leads the commercial development of NORSE CODE, working across hospitality, wholesale distribution, brand growth and route-to-market strategy.

Learn more about Coffee Spirit Co

About NORSE CODE Products

NORSE CODE is a Yorkshire coffee liqueur range built around real coffee, Gordon Howell's competition coffee expertise and cocktail performance.

Hel Above is the 22% ABV expression, designed for Espresso Martinis and coffee-forward cocktails.

Hel Below is the richer 16% ABV expression, designed for Baby Guinness shots, layered serves, smoother Espresso Martinis and after-dinner drinks.

EX-01 is the first Exceptional Series release, limited to 26 bottles and created using Colombian Gesha coffee and Cooper King new-make spirit.

Product Links

Useful Background Pages

Media Assets

Approved editorial images and brand assets for journalists, publishers, bloggers and trade media.

Coffee Spirit Co founders Yan and Gordon Howell

Brand Logo

Download NORSE CODE logo (PNG)

For interview requests, additional photography or media enquiries please contact sales@coffeespiritco.com.

Media Contact

Yan
Coffee Spirit Co Ltd
Email: sales@coffeespiritco.com
Website: coffeespiritco.com

Trade & Wholesale Enquiries

NORSE CODE is available in 70cl bottles and 4.9 litre trade tubs for bars, restaurants, hotels, events and hospitality groups.

Suggested Media Description

NORSE CODE is an award-winning Yorkshire coffee liqueur range created by Coffee Spirit Co and developed by UK Brewers Cup Champion Gordon Howell. Using a Cold-Filter Brew process, the range includes Hel Above for Espresso Martinis and Hel Below for Baby Guinness shots, layered serves and modern coffee cocktails. Hel Below was named England Coffee Liqueur Country Winner at the 2026 World Liqueur Awards.