Welcome to Empirical
Uncategorized spirits. Radical flavor. Crafted for those who care deeply about what’s in the glass.
Lars Williams - Empirical Spirits Founder
"We started Empirical because we believe in the capacity of Flavor to connect people, to trigger conversations through sense memories"
Our Journey
Empirical began as a flavor lab in Copenhagen, driven by the passion of Lars Williams, formerly Noma Head of R&D. Fueled by culinary curiosity and a hunger to create the unheard-of, we built our own machinery, wrote our own fermentation protocols, and tore down category boundaries.
In 2023, we moved our distillery to Brooklyn, NY, where our team continues crafting spirits using unique ingredients, vacuum distillation, and layered fermentation. Our spirits live in the space between categories—a new genre of flavor, rooted in precision and possibility.
OUR CORE SPIRITS
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Ayuuk
Deep and earthy with a smoky Pasilla Mixe chili heart sourced directly from the mountains of Oaxaca. Rested in Oloroso sherry casks, it plays beautifully with mezcal or whiskey flavors. Smooth and delicious, sipped or mixed.
ABV: 43%
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CILANTRO
A vivid green spirit built around fresh cilantro leaves, tomatillo, and green spice. Lively and vegetal—perfect in a Gimlet or Collins, or for a refreshingly unique Margarita.
ABV: 38%
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EMPIRICAL X DORITOS
Experience the indulgent flavors of your favorite snack in liquid form via this unique brand partnership. Open with umami and tangy aromas of nacho cheese, then move the deeper, corn-forward flavors of the chip and finish on a soft salty note. Neat over ice or in a great Bloody Mary.
ABV: 42%
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SOKA
Built from fermented US sorghum juice and syrup, Soka smells like fresh-cut grass and drinks like a summer harvest. Slightly funky, wholly new. A great changeup for rum in any drink, or try it with tonic and fresh plums.
ABV: 43%
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SYMPHONY 6
A perfume of citrus leaves and flowers with ambrette seed and vetiver. Bright, complex, and herbaceous—a gin substitute for the floral inclined. The ultimate layered botanical spirit. Try it with Mediterranean tonic or in a twist on a French 75.
ABV: 40%
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THE PLUM, I SUPPOSE
A ghost of plum and marzipam - fruity, nutty, and delicate. Distilled from plum kernels and marigold kombucha, it pairs with stone-fruit cordials or dry vermouths. Perception of sweetness with a refreshing finish. Try it neat or over ice with a citrus soda.
ABV: 32%
Why Hospitality Chooses Empirical
Creative Leverage: Open new dimensions for your cocktail program with spirits unlike anything else on the backbar.
Consistency + Quality: Culinary processes, custom stills, and sensory-based batch selection mean perfect flavor, every time.
Versatility: Empirical spirits elevate the familiar and thrive in the unexpected—from classic riffs to custom signatures.
Collaborative Support: Bespoke trainings, events, and ongoing brand activations tailored to your venue.
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OVERSTORY
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DOUBLE CHICKEN PLEASE
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SUPERBUENO
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PACIFIC COCKTAIL HAVEN
Limited Releases & Collaborations
Empirical embraces partnerships that challenge and inspire—from Doritos to custom barrels for top-tier venues. Want to build something no one’s ever tasted? Let’s talk.
The Empirical Experience
Private training sessions for your staff
Menu consultation and custom cocktail design
Exclusive drops for your bar or venue
In-market support and events
Connect With Our Team
Got questions, ideas, or want to collaborate? We’d love to hear from you.
