NORSE CODE - EX-01 Exceptional Series (70CL) - 26% ABV.
COFFEE SPIRIT CO
NORSE CODE - EX-01 Exceptional Series (70CL) - 26% ABV.
1 reviews
Pickup available at Harlequin Coffee Shop - York (YO1 8BH)
Usually ready in 2-4 days
Overview | Colombian Gesha | Expertise | Tasting Notes | Why Different | Allocation | FAQs
EX-01 | Exceptional Series
EX-01 is the inaugural release in the NORSE CODE Exceptional Series — a limited collection created to showcase extraordinary coffees through the lens of Yorkshire coffee liqueur craftsmanship.
Limited to just 26 bottles, EX-01 brings together rare Colombian Gesha coffee, competition coffee expertise and Cooper King Maris Otter grain new-make spirit to create one of the UK’s most distinctive coffee liqueur releases.
26 bottles produced. Inaugural Exceptional Series release. Will never be repeated.
26 Bottles Only
A true micro-batch release created from a rare coffee available in extremely limited quantity.
Colombian Gesha
Built around Carlos Arcila’s Colombian Gesha, selected for floral aromatics, citrus clarity and honeyed sweetness.
Exceptional Series
The first NORSE CODE release designed to sit closer to fine coffee, whisky and collectible spirits than conventional coffee liqueur.
Colombian Gesha
At the heart of EX-01 is Colombian Gesha from renowned producer Carlos Arcila — one of the world’s most celebrated coffee varieties.
Known for remarkable clarity and aromatic complexity, Gesha offers delicate notes of jasmine, citrus, honey and floral character rarely found in conventional coffee.
The intention was not to transform the coffee, but to reveal it — preserving the integrity of the origin while creating a truly distinctive coffee liqueur.
Competition Coffee Expertise
EX-01 was created in collaboration between Gordon Howell, UK Brewers Cup Champion and UK Coffee in Good Spirits Champion, and Matthew Robley-Siemonsma, SCA UK Roasting Champion.
The coffee was roasted with competition-level precision by Matthew and developed with Gordon using the coffee-first thinking that underpins the wider NORSE CODE range.
Every stage focused on preserving clarity, vibrancy and expression, allowing the unique character of the Gesha to remain the centre of the experience.
Built Around Coffee, Not Flavouring
EX-01 was created to express a rare coffee with clarity and respect.
Rather than relying on generic coffee flavouring, concentrates or excessive sweetness, the recipe was built around the character of Colombian Gesha and the structure of Cooper King new-make spirit.
The result is a spirit-forward coffee liqueur that sits closer to fine coffee, whisky and limited-edition spirits than conventional coffee liqueur.
Tasting Notes
Aromatics: Jasmine, floral notes and citrus blossom.
Palate: Honey, delicate tropical fruit, refined coffee character and subtle malt sweetness.
Finish: Long, elegant and layered, combining vibrant coffee expression with the depth of Cooper King Maris Otter grain new-make spirit.
Production Philosophy
EX-01 combines competition-roasted Colombian Gesha, Cooper King’s Maris Otter grain new-make spirit and carefully selected sugar to create a coffee liqueur unlike anything else in the NORSE CODE collection.
The goal was balance rather than sweetness, allowing both the coffee and spirit to speak with clarity and definition.
Only a small amount of coffee was available, and the release was deliberately kept to 26 bottles to preserve the integrity of the project.
Why EX-01 Is Different
Single-Origin Gesha
Built around Colombian Gesha rather than generic coffee flavouring, extract or concentrate.
Competition-Led
Developed with coffee professionals whose backgrounds include national and world-level coffee competition.
Spirit-Forward
Designed to show the relationship between rare coffee and Cooper King new-make spirit, not simply sweetness.
Micro-Batch
Only 26 bottles were produced, making EX-01 a one-time expression rather than a repeatable core product.
Collectible Release
Created for speciality coffee enthusiasts, whisky lovers, collectors and people seeking something genuinely distinctive.
Exceptional Series
The first release in a series designed to explore rare coffees, unusual origins and coffee-led spirit development.
Limited Allocation
Only 26 bottles of EX-01 were produced.
This release will never be repeated. The Colombian Gesha used for EX-01 was available in extremely limited quantity, making each bottle part of a one-time expression of coffee, spirit and origin.
Future Exceptional Series releases will explore different coffees, origins and production approaches.
Who Is EX-01 For?
EX-01 is designed for speciality coffee enthusiasts, whisky lovers, collectors and those seeking one of the UK’s most distinctive and limited coffee liqueur releases.
It can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or in an exceptional Espresso Martini where the unique Gesha character can remain at the centre of the serve.
Part of the NORSE CODE Range
EX-01 is the rarest expression in the NORSE CODE range. For everyday cocktails, explore our core Yorkshire coffee liqueurs:
- Hel Above – 22% ABV coffee liqueur designed for Espresso Martinis and coffee-forward cocktails.
- Hel Below – 16% ABV coffee liqueur designed for Baby Guinness shots, layered serves and smoother coffee cocktails.
Learn More
- Gordon Howell Coffee Expert
- Cold-Filter Brewed Coffee Liqueur
- About Coffee Spirit Co
- Awards & Recognition
- Why Only Two People Know The Recipe
- Yorkshire Coffee Liqueur
- Best Coffee Liqueur UK
- Ultimate Espresso Martini Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes EX-01 different from other coffee liqueurs?
EX-01 is built around a single-origin Colombian Gesha coffee and limited to just 26 bottles. Developed through competition coffee expertise, it focuses on origin character, clarity and expression rather than sweetness.
Why is Colombian Gesha so highly regarded?
Gesha is considered one of the world’s most sought-after coffee varieties, prized for floral aromatics, citrus brightness, clarity and complexity.
Who created EX-01?
EX-01 was created by Gordon Howell, UK Brewers Cup Champion and UK Coffee in Good Spirits Champion, and Matthew Robley-Siemonsma, SCA UK Roasting Champion.
What does EX-01 taste like?
Expect elegant floral aromatics, jasmine, citrus, honey and delicate tropical fruit notes layered over the smooth character of Cooper King Maris Otter grain new-make spirit.
Can EX-01 be used in cocktails?
Yes. While many collectors choose to enjoy EX-01 neat, it can also create exceptional Espresso Martinis and spirit-forward coffee cocktails where the unique character of the Gesha can shine.
Why are only 26 bottles available?
EX-01 was produced as a true micro-batch release. The availability reflects the rarity of the coffee, the production process and the philosophy behind the Exceptional Series.
Will EX-01 be produced again?
No. EX-01 will never be produced again. Future Exceptional Series releases will explore different coffees, origins and production approaches.
As someone who buys a lot of speciality coffee, I was curious whether EX-01 would genuinely showcase the Colombian Gesha or whether it would simply taste like another coffee liqueur.
Thankfully it absolutely delivers.
The floral aromatics hit first, followed by notes of honey, citrus and delicate tropical fruit that I normally associate with high-end filter coffee rather than a spirit. The Cooper King new-make adds complexity without masking the coffee, and the balance is remarkable considering how expressive the coffee remains.
This feels closer to a limited coffee release or a rare whisky bottling than a traditional coffee liqueur. Knowing there are only 26 bottles makes it even more special.
I've never tasted anything quite like it.
Thank you James.
EX-01 was created with exactly that goal in mind — to preserve and showcase the character of an exceptional Colombian Gesha rather than overwhelm it with sweetness. We're delighted you picked up the floral, honey and citrus notes that made this coffee so special.
With only 26 bottles produced, EX-01 represents a unique moment in the Exceptional Series, and we're thrilled it resonated with a fellow speciality coffee enthusiast.