Upendo - Local collaboration with Nesjemat

Upendo = love

The new gin has been named Upendo (love in Swahili), and it is the spices in particular that make this gin different.

This is a gin with citrus, but the special thing is that the citrus flavor comes from completely different ingredients than citrus fruits. It comes from, among other things, cinnamon bark and cinnamon leaves, nutmeg, cardamom and some lime leaves from our own trees in Zanzibar. The sap from the cinnamon leaves is very fruity, and there are over 200 aromatic substances in the cinnamon bark. Finally, the orange blossom ties the citrus character together, explains Nesje.

Soft water from Sunnmøre

All the spices are sourced from the island off the mainland of Tanzania, but as befits a gin, it also contains juniper berries. In addition, water is used from Brennevinsgrova , the distillery that Strømmegjerde started in 2019.

What's special about this water is that it is very soft, which means it absorbs spices much better, Nesje and Strømmegjerde say.

They describe Upendo Gin as a classic gin that doesn't taste like classic gin.

The gin is unique in that we use the spices at a stage where cinnamon leaves, cinnamon bark, nutmeg, coriander and more are completely fresh and harvested by ourselves. This is precisely what has given the gin its unique citrus character, although we have also used lime leaves from trees we have planted ourselves in Zanzibar, explains Nesje.

The label and the gin

The color of the gin is natural, and is supposed to indicate the sunrise in Zanzibar.

The arch on the label is copper-plated and symbolizes sunrise. It is meant to tell the story of the day and the beginning of life, and the footprints in the sand are meant to remind us that we have all left our mark. The Maasai on the label is called Barack, explains Nesje.

The labels are designed by Kine Lillerud and Kari Bjørnø Vangen, who have been given great creative freedom with some guidance.

Launch for the industry

In April, they invited people to the launch of Upendo, which they believe will be well received by bars, restaurants and hotels.

It is often the industry that controls what people eventually want. When this gradually arrives in bars around the country, we are confident that this will be a success, says Nesje.

Invites to a study trip to Zanzibar

The recipe for Upendo is secret, but Nesje and Brennevinsgrova will invite everyone who wishes to join us on a study trip to Zanzibar in March 2027.

The target group is people who want to experience new cultures and are curious about exciting flavors. It is difficult to avoid chalky white beaches and a beautiful blue sea.

Chefs, bartenders and producers will love experiencing the spice island. Just experiencing 50 different varieties of black pepper can make both your nose and taste buds dance to African rhythms, says a smiling Nesje.

Available from May

Upendo Gin will be available in Vinmonopolet's order selection from April 30, and in selected outlets from May 6. Nesje expects the product to be available at several outlets in Sunnmøre, as well as some in Oslo.

‍