Mark Hermansen

Mark Emil Hermansen is a social anthropologist and co-founder of Empirical, a flavor company that challenges traditional spirit production methods.12 He launched Empirical in 2017 with Lars Williams, aiming to create innovative and unique flavor profiles in spirits.2

Hermansen holds a degree in social anthropology from the University of Oxford.2 Before co-founding Empirical, he worked at the renowned restaurant Noma, where he served as the Concept Manager and played a key role in developing MAD, René Redzepi's foundation focused on promoting good values in the restaurant sector.2

At Empirical, Hermansen and Williams combine traditional fermentation methods with modern technologies like vacuum distillation to create unconventional spirits.2 Their approach involves using unique ingredients and advanced techniques to unlock new dimensions of taste in cocktails and spirits.1

Empirical's innovative products include spirits made from ingredients like plum kernels, marigold flowers, and even a collaboration with Doritos to create a Nacho Cheese flavored spirit.23 The company describes itself as a "flavor company" that seeks to challenge established paradigms in the spirits industry.24