First Impressions
Hernö was born in 2011 when Jon Hillgren and his wife bought an 18th-century farm in Dala, northern Sweden. With friends and family, they built Sweden's first dedicated gin distillery and installed Kierstin — their 250-litre Carl copper still. By 2012, production had begun. Within years, Hernö had won IWSC World's Best London Dry Gin and World's Best G&T — the most prestigious awards in gin. From a farm in northern Sweden, the most awarded gin in Scandinavia.
Tasting
Eight certified organic botanicals: juniper, lemon peel, coriander, black pepper, cassia, vanilla, lingonberry, and meadowsweet. The nose is round juniper with fresh citrus and floral complexity from meadowsweet. On the palate at 40.5%, rich texture with green coriander, spices, vanilla warmth, and cassia depth. Lingonberry adds subtle Scandinavian tartness, meadowsweet contributes floral sweetness. The finish is long with black pepper hints and vanilla warmth.
The Bottom Line
Hernö Dry earns a 9 — the benchmark Scandinavian gin and a strong contender for the world's finest London Dry. The lingonberry and meadowsweet provide Nordic character without departing from the London Dry tradition, and the organic botanicals produce a cleanliness of flavour that is immediately apparent. Best in a G&T (it won World's Best for a reason) or a Martini. At £32, world-class gin at an honest price. The farm in Dala changed gin forever.
