Yorkshire Coffee Liqueur

Yorkshire Coffee Liqueur Crafted by Coffee Experts

NORSE CODE is an award-winning Yorkshire coffee liqueur created by Coffee Spirit Co, founded in York by people with a genuine passion for coffee, cocktails and independent drinks.

Produced in small batches in Yorkshire using our unique Cold-Filter Brew process, our coffee liqueurs are designed to showcase real coffee flavour, exceptional balance and outstanding versatility in cocktails.

From Espresso Martinis to Baby Guinness shots, every bottle reflects Yorkshire craftsmanship, speciality coffee expertise and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

Learn more about Coffee Spirit Co

A True Yorkshire Coffee Liqueur

Yorkshire has become one of the UK's most exciting food and drink regions, home to independent breweries, distilleries, roasters, restaurants and specialist producers.

NORSE CODE proudly forms part of that tradition.

Every batch is developed with a coffee-first approach, combining Yorkshire production, speciality coffee knowledge and a focus on modern cocktail performance.

Unlike many large coffee liqueur brands, we remain independently owned and focused on producing exceptional quality rather than mass-market volume.

When you choose NORSE CODE, you are choosing a genuine Yorkshire coffee liqueur crafted by local experts.

Created by an Award-Winning Yorkshire Coffee Professional

At the heart of NORSE CODE is co-founder Gordon Howell.

Gordon has spent decades working in speciality coffee and is recognised throughout the industry for his expertise in brewing, extraction and coffee flavour.

His achievements include:

UK Brewers Cup Champion.
UK Coffee in Good Spirits Champion.
International coffee competition experience.
Speciality coffee trainer and educator.
Coffee competition judge.
Co-founder of Tone Brewing Equipment.

Rather than simply adding coffee flavour to alcohol, Gordon approached NORSE CODE from a coffee-first perspective.

The result is a coffee liqueur built around the character of the coffee itself.

Read why only two people know the NORSE CODE recipe

Yorkshire Made, Coffee Led

Most coffee liqueurs begin with alcohol.

We begin with coffee.

Our proprietary Cold-Filter Brew process was developed to preserve the sweetness, complexity and aroma of speciality coffee while reducing unwanted bitterness.

This allows us to create a Yorkshire coffee liqueur that delivers:

Rich coffee flavour.
Smooth texture.
Balanced sweetness.
Exceptional cocktail performance.
Authentic coffee character.

The result is a coffee liqueur designed for people who genuinely love coffee.

Discover the Cold-Filter Brew method

Built for Espresso Martinis

A great Espresso Martini starts with great coffee.

Our flagship coffee liqueur, NORSE CODE Hel Above, was specifically developed to create exceptional Espresso Martinis.

Its 22% ABV structure and coffee-forward profile allow fresh espresso to shine while adding depth, sweetness and complexity.

Bartenders across Yorkshire and the UK choose NORSE CODE because it provides:

Better coffee flavour.
Balanced sweetness.
Improved texture.
Greater cocktail consistency.
A cleaner, more modern Espresso Martini profile.

Whether you are a professional bartender or making cocktails at home, Hel Above provides a strong foundation for a better Espresso Martini.

Shop Hel Above

Read the Ultimate Espresso Martini Guide

The Yorkshire Coffee Liqueur for Baby Guinness Shots

NORSE CODE Hel Below offers a richer style of coffee liqueur designed for layering, smoother cocktails and indulgent serves.

Awarded Country Winner for England at the 2026 World Liqueur Awards, Hel Below has become a favourite for:

Baby Guinness shots.
Layered coffee cocktails.
Dessert cocktails.
After-dinner serves.
Coffee lovers seeking a smoother profile.

Its carefully balanced density creates excellent layering beneath cream liqueur while maintaining genuine coffee flavour.

Shop Hel Below

Read the Best Coffee Liqueur for Baby Guinness guide

Award-Winning Yorkshire Coffee Liqueur

Our commitment to quality has earned recognition from 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.

Combined with coffee expertise and Yorkshire production, these accolades help establish NORSE CODE as one of the UK's most highly regarded independent coffee liqueur producers.

View all NORSE CODE Awards & Recognition

Read about England's Best Coffee Liqueur

Hel Above vs Hel Below

Product	Best For	Style
Hel Above	Espresso Martinis and coffee-forward cocktails	22% ABV, brighter, stronger and more structured
Hel Below	Baby Guinness, layered serves and smoother cocktails	16% ABV, richer, smoother and more indulgent

Inspired by Yorkshire's Independent Spirit

Yorkshire has a long tradition of doing things differently.

From brewing and distilling to farming and food production, the region is known for quality, independence and craftsmanship.

Those values shape everything we do.

We produce in small batches.
We focus on flavour over volume.
We continually refine our recipes.
We remain committed to creating coffee liqueurs that genuinely stand apart from the crowd.

Read our Best Coffee Liqueur UK guide

Sustainable Yorkshire Production

Quality and sustainability go hand in hand.

NORSE CODE uses packaging selected with environmental impact in mind, including:

Glass bottles containing over 70% recycled content.
HDPE trade containers containing recycled material.
Recyclable packaging throughout the supply chain.
Small-batch production to minimise waste.

We are proud to combine Yorkshire craftsmanship with a more sustainable approach to spirits production.

Yorkshire Coffee Liqueur Alternatives to Mainstream Brands

Many drinkers first discover coffee liqueur through mainstream brands such as Kahlúa, Tia Maria or Mr Black.

Those brands helped establish the category, but modern drinkers are increasingly looking for coffee liqueurs with greater coffee clarity, more transparency and stronger cocktail performance.

NORSE CODE offers a Yorkshire-made alternative built around real coffee, Cold-Filter Brew extraction and award-winning coffee expertise.

Read our Kahlúa Alternative UK guide

Read our Mr Black Alternative UK guide

Discover Yorkshire's Award-Winning Coffee Liqueur

From speciality coffee expertise and Yorkshire craftsmanship to national awards and innovative production methods, NORSE CODE represents a different approach to coffee liqueur.

Crafted in Yorkshire.

Built around real coffee.

Designed for exceptional cocktails.

Explore Hel Above and Hel Below today and discover why NORSE CODE has become one of Yorkshire's most celebrated coffee liqueur producers.

Shop Hel Above

Shop Hel Below

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is NORSE CODE coffee liqueur made?

NORSE CODE coffee liqueurs are produced in Yorkshire, England by Coffee Spirit Co.

What makes NORSE CODE different from other coffee liqueurs?

NORSE CODE is developed by coffee professionals using a Cold-Filter Brew process designed to preserve genuine coffee flavour, aroma and balance.

What is the best Yorkshire coffee liqueur for Espresso Martinis?

Hel Above was specifically developed for Espresso Martinis and is designed for people seeking a coffee-forward alternative to mainstream coffee liqueurs.

What is the best Yorkshire coffee liqueur for Baby Guinness shots?

Hel Below's density, texture and flavour profile make it ideal for layered Baby Guinness serves.

Is NORSE CODE an award-winning Yorkshire coffee liqueur?

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

Is NORSE CODE suitable as a gift?

Yes. NORSE CODE is a popular Yorkshire gift for coffee lovers, cocktail enthusiasts and anyone looking to discover an award-winning independent producer.

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.

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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.