The bar is excellent, the service and drinks are brilliant, and most importantly of all: the birch martini is amazing.

Himkok, which means ‘moonshine’, or specifically ‘home-burnt’ in Norwegian, has been awarded several accolades. The venue is  located in central Oslo and is definitely worth a visit.

The unmarked speakeasy-style entrance adds a delightful hint of apprehension when entering. Is this the right place?

Of course you are reassured immediately by the accommodating staff when you step inside.

They strike that perfect balance of deeply thought-through professionalism with disarming charm. It comes across as effortless – and it is not.

The venue has its own distillery on-site and they make many of their own spirits right here. I particularly liked the aquavit and I’m definitely intrigued as to what might be the mystery guest spirit arriving in the future.

The vibe it relaxed but refined. The furniture was particularly comfortable. I felt instantly at ease when I was seated on the leather-backed bar stool and that was before my first sip.

I was placed centrally at the counter with an upbeat mix of trendy Norwegians and savvy travellers. I got to enjoy a drink with a Norwegian politician (who shall remain anonymous) as well as the founder of the delicious-looking baked potato company Pota Madre. I look forward to pairing a martini with a Norwegian Cowboy (potato, bacon, cheese and chives) – and if you’re in the US – keep an eye out because they’re looking to expand across the Atlantic!

The decor in general felt like a pharmacy but somehow in the Wild West, plus suave. The Norwegian woodwork went beautifully with the medicine bottle chic.

The menu has a range of interesting cocktails, particularly incorporating seasonal and traditional flavours like lingonberry and sea buckthorn, but my priority is a classic martini – at least to start with.

I was recommended the birch martini (and was eager to try it) but I wanted to begin with a classic to set the baseline. I ordered one and was asked all the reassuring questions.

The drink had been stirred with ice. If they had the space I would love them to use the DUKES Method because that would be the pinnacle of perfection for this otherwise excellent venue.

Nonetheless, this way allowed me to sample the more subtle botanicals of the gin. I particularly liked the notes of pine.

The lemon peel had been expressed into the glass and then shaped very delicately. Nothing about the drink was ‘home burnt’ at all.

It felt like fitting closure to my day travelling via the fjords by train from Bergen. Medicine for a weary traveller. But it certainly wasn’t the end of the evening.

The star of the show

Naturally I went to order the birch martini. There was no way I could resist.

It came slightly cloudy in a delicate glass with an attractive garnish. It had an aroma reminiscent of a very light whisky but the flavour profile of sweet, freshly cut wood.

In order to describe my excitement at the very scent of it, imagine being eight years old, presented with an unvarnished, freshly cut and mounted pinewood tree house to play in. It was highly enticing with aromatic wooden electricity.

The garnish was a plump olive stuffed with blue cheese. It was utterly delicious but I actually think the drink could stand up on its own.

The creamy cheese did go nicely with the borderline bitterness of the birch but it almost covered up some of the fascinating birch flavour as well, so if I ordered it again I would immediately place the garnish on the side to stop it infusing any more flavour, and I would enjoy eating it at the end of the ceremony when the drink was finished.

All in all, it was a delightful experience.

The glassware was made by Nude, an elegant brand based in Istanbul. They weren’t traditional V-shaped martini glasses but they were very tall and delicate with a very nice feel in the hand.

All in all, at 182 Norwegian Kroner (around $17 £13, €15) these martinis are excellent value for money. It’s yet another example of why the Nordics are the true home of Martini Socialism.

Himkok is definitely a venue worth visiting if you find yourself in Oslo.

Skål!