OSS Craft Distillery (Bareksten) distillery

Introduction to OSS Craft Distillery

A distillery with a passion for Norwegian nature

OSS Craft Distillery, home to the renowned Bareksten spirits, is a Norwegian craft distillery that perfectly captures the essence of the country’s rugged landscapes and botanical heritage. Located in the picturesque coastal city of Bergen, this artisanal producer has earned international recognition for its premium spirits that reflect Norway’s pristine natural environment.

Each bottle produced at OSS embodies the fine balance between traditional distilling methods and innovative techniques, creating spirits that are both authentic and distinctly Norwegian in character.

Why we have a soft spot for OSS Craft Distillery

At Vault of Spirits, we admire distilleries that truly represent their terroir and cultural heritage, and OSS Craft Distillery exemplifies this perfectly. The brand’s flagship Bareksten Gin and other products stand out for their use of hand-foraged local botanicals and pure Norwegian water sources.

What captivates us most is their commitment to capturing the essence of Norwegian forests, mountains, and coastal elements in every drop, creating a sensory journey through Norway’s natural landscape with each sip.

The History Behind OSS Craft Distillery

Origin and development

OSS Craft Distillery was founded by master distiller Stig Bareksten, who established the company with a clear vision to create spirits that represent the soul and character of Norway. The distillery’s story began in 2015, when Stig channeled his culinary background and deep respect for Norwegian ingredients into crafting exceptional spirits.

The name “Bareksten” itself has become synonymous with premium quality, as the brand quickly gained international acclaim, winning multiple prestigious awards including double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The people behind the craft

The distillery operates under the passionate leadership of Stig Bareksten, whose background as a chef and bartender provides him with a unique perspective on flavor development and balance. His team shares his dedication to quality and his fascination with Norwegian botanical traditions.

Together, they have created a range of spirits that pay homage to Norway’s natural bounty while pushing the boundaries of contemporary craft distilling.

The Craft and Production

From raw materials to finished product

The production at OSS Craft Distillery begins with careful selection of botanicals – many of which are hand-foraged from Norway’s forests, mountains, and coastline. Juniper berries, wild berries, herbs, and other indigenous plants form the backbone of their recipes.

Distillation takes place in custom-made copper pot stills, allowing for precise control of the process and preservation of the delicate aromas. The distillery uses exceptionally pure Norwegian water, filtered naturally through ancient mountain rock, which contributes significantly to the clean, crisp character of their spirits.

Maturation and storage

For their aged products, OSS Craft Distillery uses carefully selected oak casks that complement the unique flavor profiles of their spirits. Their aquavit and other matured products develop depth and complexity through interaction with the wood, while maintaining the essential Nordic character.

The distillery’s storage facilities maintain optimal conditions for the maturation process, allowing time and nature to work their magic on the developing spirits.

Selected Products from OSS Craft Distillery

Bareksten Botanical Gin – The essence of Norwegian forests

This flagship product is an excellent introduction to the distillery’s philosophy. With 26 botanicals, many native to Norway, it offers a complex profile of fresh pine, juniper, and wild berries, balanced with subtle floral notes and a clean, crisp finish.

The multiple award-winning gin presents a perfect harmony between strength (46% ABV) and refinement, making it exceptional both neat and in cocktails.

Bareksten Navy Strength Gin – An intense Norwegian experience

For those seeking a more robust expression, the Navy Strength variant (58% ABV) delivers intensified botanical flavors without losing balance. Expect amplified notes of pine, berries, and herbs with a warming, lengthy finish.

This powerful gin maintains remarkable smoothness despite its strength – a testament to the distillery’s precision and expertise.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

OSS Craft Distillery offers visitors a chance to experience Norwegian distilling firsthand through guided tours of their facility in Bergen. Guests can observe the production process from botanical selection to bottling, followed by guided tastings of their award-winning range.

The experience provides insight into how Norway’s natural landscapes are translated into exceptional spirits, with expert commentary on the unique botanicals and production methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OSS Craft Distillery?

OSS Craft Distillery is a Norwegian artisanal spirits producer best known for its Bareksten brand of premium gins, aquavit, and other spirits. The distillery focuses on capturing the essence of Norwegian nature through traditional distilling methods and locally sourced botanicals.

Where is OSS Craft Distillery located?

The distillery is located in Bergen, Norway, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes that inspire their products. This location provides access to the pure water and unique botanicals that define their spirits.

What characterizes OSS Craft Distillery products?

OSS Craft Distillery’s products are characterized by their exceptional purity, complex botanical profiles, and authentic representation of Norwegian terroir. Their spirits feature hand-foraged local ingredients, are crafted in small batches, and embody what the Norwegians call “untamed perfection” – the balance between raw natural power and refined elegance.

Where can I buy spirits from OSS Craft Distillery?

You can find selected bottles from OSS Craft Distillery’s Bareksten range at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the best expressions from this remarkable Norwegian distillery to ensure you experience the authentic flavors of Norway’s natural landscape.