First Impressions
Ragnarök — the twilight of the gods, the Norse apocalypse — is an unexpectedly apt name for a gin from northern Sweden. This is a spirit that encapsulates the Swedish wilderness: the base spirit is made from local winter barley harvested from fields surrounding the distillery, rather than the neutral grain spirit most gins begin with. That decision alone sets Ragnarök apart — the barley provides a sweet, grainy character that becomes the canvas for everything else.
Tasting
Eight botanicals distilled in a copper pot still, most notably juniper, lingonberries, caraway, and dill — a botanical bill that reads like a Nordic larder. Brought down to 44% with mountain spring water. The nose is full-bodied: juniper and wild herbs with a sweet barley grain note underneath. On the palate, extremely rich and balanced — lingonberry tartness, caraway's warm anise-like spice, dill adding fresh herbaceous quality. The winter barley base provides a distinctive sweet grain depth absent from standard neutral-spirit gins. The finish lingers with vanilla, cranberry, and persistent wild herbs.
The Bottom Line
Ragnarök earns a 7 — a gin with genuine Nordic identity, where the winter barley base spirit and Scandinavian botanicals create something unmistakably Swedish. The caraway and dill could easily overwhelm, but the lingonberry tartness and barley sweetness keep everything in balance. Best in a G&T with elderflower tonic and a sprig of dill, or neat where the barley base reveals its character. At £35, well-priced for a gin of this individuality.
