Utgardloki Absinthe

Volume: 0.5 litres | Alcohol content: 60% | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Utgardloki brings together a historical recipe and the idea of creating an absinthe for the Goldene Bar in Munich. Klaus St. Rainer developed this blanche with Swiss distiller Oliver Matter over three years; it has been part of Rainer’s creations since 2017. A recipe from an 1882 book provided the starting point. Chamomile and a hint of cardamom complement the herbal recipe.

The Brut Blanche remains uncoloured and is bottled at 60% in a ceramic bottle containing 0.5 litres. Chamomile flowers lend a floral nuance to its herbal character, alongside a creamy impression. The black-and-white illustration on the pale bottle draws on Norse imagery. The name also comes from Norse mythology, referring to the giant Utgardloki and the tale of Thor’s inexhaustible drinking horn.

To serve, mix one part Utgardloki with three parts ice-cold water. This allows the bold spirit to be enjoyed as a traditionally diluted absinthe.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Wormwood, anise and fennel define the intense aroma. A hint of chamomile complements the herbal notes.
• Palate: The absinthe is bold, broad and fresh on the palate. Its full-bodied flavour balances sweet and bitter impressions.
• Finish: The finish is long and warming, leaving a delicate herbal note.

Distillery/Bottler:

Utgardloki brings together two different perspectives: Klaus St. Rainer contributes his cocktail-bar experience, while Oliver Matter brings Swiss absinthe-making expertise. Rainer took over the Goldene Bar in Munich’s Haus der Kunst with Leonie von Carnap in 2010. There, classic drinks are deliberately reworked, including through changes to textures and preparation methods.

Rooted in the Seeland region of the canton of Bern, Matter Spirits specialised in absinthe after its relegalisation in Switzerland in 2005. The distillery works with herbs and old stills; historical recipes from the 19th century form an important part of its range. It also creates absinthes developed in-house. The absinthe range contains neither added sugar nor artificial colouring; herbs provide the colour in the green variants.

Facts: