Distillery
Knut Hansen
Knut Hansen is a German gin brand from Hamburg, known for Knut Hansen Dry Gin packaged in ceramic bottles. Founded by partners Kaspar Hagedorn and Martin Spieker, the brand produces craft gin and has expanded its range with special editions and an aged rum.
- Hamburg · Hamburg · Germany
- Since 2017
The story
The project began with experiments by the two founders in 2016; the recipe was refined and the first bottled production took place in 2017 at the Dollerup distillery. In 2019 the founders established their first own production site in Hamburg; since 2021 production has been operating in the large spirits manufactory in Hamburg Hamm. Over the years the range has been extended with special editions (including the Avontuur Edition) and with the Ron Piet XO rum bottled in Hamburg.
Production philosophy
Artisanal production that values local raw materials: for Knut Hansen gin the brand declares the mandatory use of juniper as a base and regional ingredients (for example apples from the Altes Land, locally grown basil and cucumber). Communication focuses on handcraft, territorial identity and narrative-driven special editions.
Territory
Hamburg and northern Germany (production and identity strongly tied to the Hamburg area).
Awards and recognition
Gold - World Gin Awards (London) 2020; Best in Category for the Avontuur Edition (World Gin Awards 2020). Other medals reported by commercial sources include mentions at international competitions in 2019/2020.
Production method
Artisanal small-batch production; initial experiments were conducted on a small domestic still, subsequent productions are bottled and managed at the Hamburg production site. (Technical details of stills or specific procedures are not described in the consulted sources.)
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Hamburg
- Categories
- gin
- London Dry Gin
- craft gin
- aged rum
- special editions (matured gin)
- Raw materials
- juniper
- apples (Altes Land)
- basil
- cucumber
- Casks and ageing vessels
- cognac barrels
- Representative products
- Knut Hansen Dry Gin (0,5 L)
- Avontuur Edition (special edition, matured gin)
- RON PIET XO Premium Rum
What makes it distinctive
- Brand founded by partners Kaspar Hagedorn and Martin Spieker (project began with experiments in 2016, first bottling in 2017).
- First own distillery established in Hamburg in 2019; production in the large Hamburg Hamm manufactory since 2021 (production area reported ~1,200 m²).
- Special editions: Avontuur Edition (maturation/transport in cask on a ship) and other seasonal releases.
- International expansion: presence in numerous markets and entry into the USA with distributors (commercial press releases).
Products from Knut Hansen
Full collectionThere are currently no products available from this producer.