Almqvist Destilleri in Sweden has appointed UK drinks industry stalwart, Jake Burger, as its head distiller.
Burger joins the distillery’s founder, master distiller, Bex Almqvist - who is also a long-term friend - to help position Almqvist as a leading aquavit and gin brand in the international on-trade, expand its portfolio, implement its ongoing sustainability strategy and open its brand home doors.
Located in the small village of Rejmyre, the brand home will offer educational experiences, including tours and tastings.
Almqvist’s vision also includes expanding the distillery’s ‘white label’ production and collaborations with leading bars and restaurants globally.
Burger, whose career spans four decades, has gained international recognition for bars The Portobello Star and The Distillery in Notting Hill. In 2011, he launched ‘The Ginstitute’ and Portobello Road gin.
Almqvist said: “I’m extremely excited for Jake to move over here. I could never have imagined over the past almost 20 years of friendship that we would work together in this way; being able to be geeky and creative together in the distillery on a daily basis.
“He has been a great friend and supporter of Almqvist from the beginning, so there’s no one else I would want to be a part of this next chapter”