Two of them had already from the early 20s been in a whisky club and also brewed beer for many years. The idea was born and the company was eventually established. Where should the distillery be located? Tjernagel was identified. There used to be an old coastal burial mound on historical grounds. The area is mentioned in the Snorre Saga and is a beautiful spot located by the coast, with a view southwest towards Bømlahuk and the open sea and north into the Hardangerfjord.

The name was therefore Hiernagla Brenneri, after the old spelling for Tjernagel, which by the way means sword button. The distillery is not on Tjernagel, but the goal is there in the future. A stone’s throw from Ekrene, where the distillery is built, a 3,000-year-old gold bracelet was found. This has been used as inspiration for the logo.

Without experience from the industry, there has been a lot to get acquainted with for the group of friends. It was a major milestone when the manufacturing licence was in place in early February 2019, and later that month, the handmade pot stills came from Spain. In September production started and the first drops were produced. After some testing of recipes and testrunning of equipment, the first casks were filled late in November. After 3 years, in November 2022, the first drops where officially called whisky. The flavours and maturation determines when the different casks will be  ready for bottling.

In addition to single malt peated and unpeated whisky, Hiernagla  produces the Værbitt Gin series, aquavite and rum. In Norway our products are available at  “Vinmonopolet” (the Norwegian liquor store), as well as selected bars and restaurants. Contact us if you need more information on where or how you can get our products.