Empirical
Empirical is a Brooklyn-based flavor company that produces distinctive, category-defying spirits built around unusual ingredients and modern production techniques. Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2017, the brand grew out of a background connected to experimental fermentation and fine dining, and it has become known for spirits that don't fit neatly into traditional categories like whiskey, gin, or rum.
Rather than aging in the conventional sense, Empirical leans on fermentation, distillation, and infusion of ingredients such as fruits, botanicals, koji, and smoked or roasted elements. The result is a lineup of bottlings prized by adventurous drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts looking for something outside the mainstream. Shop the Empirical collection at LiquorStoreNearMe.com, with shipping available nationwide.
Empirical is a Brooklyn-based flavor company that produces distinctive, category-defying spirits built around unusual ingredients and modern production techniques.
Read more about Empirical
Empirical is a Brooklyn-based flavor company that produces distinctive, category-defying spirits built around unusual ingredients and modern production techniques. Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2017, the brand grew out of a background connected to experimental fermentation and fine dining, and it has become known for spirits that don't fit neatly into traditional categories like whiskey, gin, or rum.
Rather than aging in the conventional sense, Empirical leans on fermentation, distillation, and infusion of ingredients such as fruits, botanicals, koji, and smoked or roasted elements. The result is a lineup of bottlings prized by adventurous drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts looking for something outside the mainstream. Shop the Empirical collection at LiquorStoreNearMe.com, with shipping available nationwide.
Background and House Style
Empirical was co-founded in 2017 by Lars Williams and Mark Emil Hermansen, who came from a culinary and fermentation background. The company approaches spirits the way a chef might approach flavor development, focusing on the raw ingredients and the processes that transform them rather than trying to replicate an established spirit category.
The house style emphasizes fermentation as a source of flavor, often using koji (the mold used in sake and soy production) and other techniques to build complexity. Ingredients can range from Douglas fir and Sichuan pepper to habanero, fruits, and smoked components, producing spirits that are aromatic, savory, or fruit-forward depending on the expression.
Because Empirical intentionally sits outside standard definitions, its bottlings are typically labeled simply as spirits rather than as vodka, gin, or brandy. This makes the brand a good fit for drinkers who value experimentation and for bartenders seeking unusual building blocks for cocktails.
The Range and What to Expect
Empirical's lineup consists of small, distinctive expressions that each highlight a particular ingredient or flavor concept. Names and profiles vary, but the through-line is bold, unexpected aromatics and relatively modern packaging that signals the brand's departure from tradition.
Expressions tend to be lower to moderate in ABV compared with many traditional spirits, and flavors can lean floral, herbal, smoky, spicy, or fruity. Because each release is its own experience, it's worth reading the specific profile of a given bottle before buying to know whether to expect something savory, hot, or bright and fresh.
Availability can vary by release, as some bottlings are produced in limited quantities. Check current stock on this collection page to see which Empirical expressions are available to ship to your location.
How to Enjoy and Serve
Many Empirical spirits shine when served simply, chilled and neat or over ice, so their aromatics come through clearly. This is often the best way to first experience a new bottle and understand its character before mixing.
For cocktails, Empirical's unusual flavors make excellent modifiers and substitutes in classic templates. Spicy or smoky expressions can add depth to sours and highballs, while floral or fruit-forward ones work well with soda, tonic, or sparkling wine for a light, aromatic drink.
Store bottles upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, keeping them well sealed helps preserve the delicate aromatic compounds that define the brand.