Aquavit
Also known as: akvavit
In short
Aquavit is Scandinavia's spice spirit: caraway and dill set the tone, the name means water of life. We explain the definition, the Linie journey and why it is served ice cold.
In depth
What is aquavit?
Aquavit is the classic spirit of Scandinavia, with caraway and dill providing the aroma. The name comes from the Latin "aqua vitae", the water of life. The kinship in the name: whisky carries the same origin, as you know from our whisky entry.
The rule
By EU law, aquavit must have at least 37.5 percent ABV. The base is potato or grain, the aroma comes from caraway or dill.
The Linie journey
The most famous aged aquavit is called Linie: it travels in former sherry casks by ship around the world and crosses the equator twice, hence the name. Tradition has it that the casks once went along as ship cargo and the sea voyage improved the taste. The story does not count as reliable evidence, the taste convinces anyway.
Served ice cold
Aquavit is happily served ice cold, straight from the freezer. Classically it belongs with the cold buffet of pickled herring and bread, and at Scandinavian celebrations aquavit belongs to the cheering.
At our lounge
Ask us whether an aquavit is currently on our shelves, served ice cold, clear in taste.