The road from Oslo to the northwest mountains is an adventure that starts with Erk Potur at the wheel of a Tesla. Along the way, pit stops at gas stations offer a chance to sample various types of sausages, served in buns and topped with mustard and a variety of sauces. “There’s no better way to start a long journey”, quips Potur, the mastermind behind several bars, including the renowned Himkok, a staple on The World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Immersed in Norwegian nature
Approaching Buskerud County, and Hemsedal in particular — a summer haven for those chasing the magic of the midnight sun — the landscape becomes more rugged. Despite the mild temperatures, snow still caps the rocky peaks, while a dense, vibrant green forest stretches upwards. Wooden houses with roofs covered in greenery blend seamlessly into the lush valley, while along the road, framed by towering cliffs, small waterfalls cascade down the rocks, their crystal-clear waters tumbling directly into the valleys below. Now and then, elongated lakes appear, their icy waters acting as mirrors that reflect the sky above.
Immersed in nature’s beauty, the days pass slowly, often ending by the fire as the sun barely dips below the horizon, only disappearing for a few minutes. The evening toast is made with aquavit, a traditional local spirit that Himkok is helping to bring to international acclaim, thanks to its distillery’s colorful canned ready-to-drink creations like the Oslo Paloma.
The cutting-edge Blending of Himkok
After indulging in the peacefulness, it’s time to return to the Norwegian capital to explore Potur’s flagship venue, opened in 2015. This bar has become an international icon in the world of mixology, known for its innovative drinks and a distillery that produces not just aquavit, but also its own gin and vodka. Spread across multiple levels, each floor offers a unique concept and experience.
The first stop is the main hall, just off the street entrance. Here, beside a glass-enclosed still, stretches a long bar where Himkok‘s signature drinks come to life. The back bar is a meticulously organized display of spirits produced just a few meters away. Across from it, leather armchairs and sofas invite guests to relax, all to a soundtrack carefully curated by Erk.
Himkok’s Cider Bar
Walking towards the patio reveals the Cider Bar, which serves a variety of draft cocktails and ciders like the Ace Pineapple or Alde Rose, with its hints of apple, raspberry and citrus. On the upper level, a DJ booth is found and just inside, another bar caters to a more laid-back area with high tables, stools, armchairs, and even a booth for black-and-white photos.
Creative twists on classics like the Oslo Mule, made with Himkok’s own vodka, or the Mandarin Margarita, are available alongside timeless favorites such as Irish Coffee and Old Fashioned.
Pels Pels Barber Shop
Just around the corner is the Pels Pels Barber Shop, where a top-notch drink can be enjoyed while waiting for a stylish trim. On the upper floor, hidden from view, is the bar’s lab, a hub of innovation equipped with state-of-the-art machinery. A chalkboard boldly commands, “be fucking clean!” — a motto that perfectly captures Himkok’s unwavering attention to detail, from the production process to the guest experience.
Himkok and the New Drink List
Paul Aguilar leads the charge in research and development, while Bar Manager Maroš Dzurus guides the team in crafting the signature drinks, with head bartender Sebastian Sandvik adding his expertise to the mix.
Following the success of their fashion-inspired cocktail list, which debuted with a stylish runway show atop Oslo’s Munch Museum, Himkok is preparing to unveil its next big concept this September. In collaboration with Sony Music Norway, the bar is set to fuse mixology with music like never before, strengthening the relationship between the two creative worlds.
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Images courtesy Himkok
