What is Aquavit/Akvavit?

Akvavit (Scandinavian spelling) or Aquavit is a distilled spirit that is primarily produced in Scandinavia, dating back to the 15th Century. It is distilled from grain or potatoes and flavoured with spices and herbs. The dominant flavours must be from caraway, giving an anise-like flavour, or dill.

It is an important part of Nordic drinking culture, often seen as a feature at Christmas or Midsummer celebrations, or simply drank as a day-to-day aperitif or a complement to your first swig of beer. In Iceland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany, it is generally had chilled and from a shot glass. In Norway, they treat it with a bit more reverence and drink it slowly and unchilled.

Whilst not often seen outside the Nordics, the US in particular has seen a rise in consumption, mainly in areas where those with Nordic heritage are based. The reason Germany, or more specifically Northern Germany has a penchant for Aquavit is historical. For, until the 19th century, this part of Germany was under Danish rule and still has a Danish minority living there.

How is Aquavit made?

Using a base of grain or potatoes, it is then flavoured with botanicals in a similar manner to gin. The key botanicals must be dill and/or caraway, whilst in Sweden it must also contain fennel. These main ingredients can be complemented with cardamon, anise, coriander and cumin.

Some producers will age their Aquavit in oak casks giving it a golden hue and more robust flavour profile.