what is the best aquavit

Best Aquavit Brands

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What is the best Aquavit to drink?

How To Drink Aquavit & Top 10 Best Brands. 1 1. O.P. Anderson [Swedish Aquavit] 2 2. Aalborg Taffel Akvavit [Danish Akvavit] 3 3. Arcus Lysholm Linie [Norwegian Aquavit] 4 4. Krogstad [American Akvavit] 5 5. Brennivín Special Cask [Icelandic Akvavit] More items

Which is the best Aquavit brand in Denmark?

Top 10 Brands. 1 AALBORG EXPORT AKVAVIT. The AALBORG EXPORT AKVAVIT is the signature Danish aquavit that as its title clearly indicates, is distilled for the export ... 2 AALBORG JUBILÆUMS AKVAVIT. 3 AALBORG NORDGULD. 4 AALBORG PORSE SNAPS. 5 AALBORG TAFFEL AKVAVIT. More items

What is Aquavit?

How To Drink Aquavit & Top 10 Best Brands Charles-Philippe 2020-12-08T09:56:13-05:00 Although a fundamental part of Scandinavia’s drinking culture, Aquavit or Aqvavit is a much more elusive alcoholic spirit in the rest of the world. That said, it has garnered some interest over the years in the USA thanks to its viking heritage.

What is the best akvavit substitute?

A crystal clear and un-aged spirit, Aalborg “Table Akvavit” is an excellent Danish specimen. With its sharp and distinctive caraway note, it’s a memorable experience and an excellent choice when using akvavit as a gin substitute. 3. Arcus Lysholm Linie [Norwegian Aquavit]

How do Swedes drink aquavit?

In Iceland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany aquavit is chilled and often drunk in a single gulp from a small shot glass. This is usually attributed to tradition. It is not generally chilled in Norway, but enjoyed slowly. In Sweden commonly the aquavit is consumed immediately following a song, called a snapsvisa.

What is the best way to drink aquavit?

In both the Scandinavian countries and northern Germany, aquavit is usually served chilled and unmixed, in small (tulip) glasses, and is usually accompanied by appetizers or sandwiches. Some drinkers prefer it in shots, a glass at a time, because they find the taste of aquavit difficult to accommodate.

What is aquavit taste like?

What Does Aquavit Taste Like? Aquavit, especially when unaged, has a neutral background flavor similar to vodka. At the forefront are the flavorings, with caraway up top—think rye bread but in spirit form. The herbaceous flavor is supported by other aromatics like dill, fennel, anise, and clove.

What kind of alcohol is aquavit?

A neutral spirit distilled from grain or potato (much like vodka or gin), aquavit is most commonly flavored with caraway as its dominant spice, though dill is prevalent as well. Styles of aquavit vary and often include other spices, such as fennel, coriander, citrus and anise.

What does aquavit pair with?

Swedish Aquavit matches very well with pizza, grilled food or fish.

How much does a bottle of aquavit cost?

In most cases, a bottle of akvavit shouldn't set you back more than $30. However, certain small-batch and artisanal brands may cost you over $50. This is particularly true of Icelandic and Norwegian akvavit. Nevertheless, the growth of American aquavit has allowed for the introduction of cheaper options.

Should aquavit be served cold?

“It's best served chilled, so store it in your freezer,” Grier says. The exception is barrel-aged aquavit, which Grier recommends serving at room temperature.

How is aquavit different from vodka?

Aquavit is a traditional spirit from the Scandinavian peninsula. If gin is vodka flavored with juniper berries, aquavit is vodka flavored with either dill or caraway. Like gin, other ingredients can be used to flavor the spirit, typically cardamom, cumin, anise, fennel, grains of paradise, and citrus peels.

How do Danes drink aquavit?

How Do Danes Drink Snaps? Cold and usually with a traditional smørrebrød lunch of pickled herring. In Denmark, snaps are served as a shot and typically sipped. Well, at least until the alcohol kicks in.

Does aquavit taste like vodka?

So it's essentially just a heavily spiced vodka. The best word to sum up its taste is savoury, but the flavour can vary significantly depending on whether it is aged (more on that later) and whether it is served chilled or at room temperature.

What is the most popular alcoholic drink in Norway?

AquavitAquavit. As for alcoholic beverages, the top Norwegian spirit drink is definitely Aquavit, also often called Akvavit. This Norwegian liquor is derived from potatoes and grain and is traditionally consumed during celebrations like Christmas and weddings.

Did Vikings drink aquavit?

Unfortunately for the Vikings, aquavit didn't exist until a few hundred years after the end of the Viking Age. However, many modern Scandinavian drinking traditions, including the Skål toast, trace their roots back to the Vikings who drank beer and mead copiously. Skål comes from the Old Norse word Skál, meaning bowl.

Should aquavit be chilled?

“It's best served chilled, so store it in your freezer,” Grier says. The exception is barrel-aged aquavit, which Grier recommends serving at room temperature.

How do Danes drink aquavit?

How Do Danes Drink Snaps? Cold and usually with a traditional smørrebrød lunch of pickled herring. In Denmark, snaps are served as a shot and typically sipped. Well, at least until the alcohol kicks in.

What is the difference between aquavit and vodka?

Similarly, aquavit is made by distilling grains or fermented potato mash and is either amber in color or clear like vodka. However, there is one notable difference: Aquavit is infused with caraway and dill.

Is aquavit similar to gin?

Much like gin, aquavit is defined in United States regulations by its primary botanical. While gin's star is juniper, with aquavit, it's caraway. Aquavit, a neutral spirit usually distilled from grain and flavored with botanicals, has been produced in Scandinavia for centuries.

What Is Aquavit?

Aquavit or akvavit is a distilled spirit from Europe’s Scandinavian and Nordic countries that plays an important part of their cultural heritage. Outside of these countries, akvavit isn’t particularly well known unless there are strong Scandinavian communities nearby.

The History Of Akvavit

Although akvavit likely existed well before then, it was first recorded in 1531 in a letter from the Danish Lord Eske Bille. Writing to the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Norway, Olav Engelbrektsson, Bille included a bottle of the spirit stating that this “Aqua Vite” helped for both internal and external illnesses.

What Does Akvavit Taste Like?

Given that akvavit varies from country to country, it doesn’t always taste the same. Generally, most will be flavoured with caraway and dill, which results in these being the most distinctive flavours.

Different Types & Varieties Of Akvavit

As we’ve already mentioned on several occasions, there are several varieties due to the different countries that produce akvavit. In this section, we’ll explore their similarities and differences in much greater detail.

How To Serve & Drink Akvavit

Although akvavit is enjoyed in a variety of countries with their own unique cultures, the way that it is enjoyed tends to be rather similar. As mentioned earlier in this guide, it is a popular beverage for social and festive gatherings.

Popular Akvavit Cocktail Recipes

Unlike its cousin, gin, akvavit is not a particularly popular base spirit for cocktails. However, many Scandinavian and foreign mixologists are actively seeking to raise awareness of the drink while also incorporate it into modern cocktails.

Similar Drinks & Akvavit Substitutes

Traditionally speaking, there are no real substitutes to akvavit when participating in Scandinavian social gatherings. However, if you need alternatives for cocktails or other circumstances, there’s plenty to choose from.

Production, Types, and Recipes

Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.

What Is Aquavit Made From?

Aquavit is produced very much like vodka or gin, with a distillate of neutral grains or potatoes and infusion of flavoring ingredients. While caraway is the signature spice of aquavit, dill is also very common. The European Union (EU) law requires that caraway and/or dill are included, though other herbs, spices, and citrus flavorings are allowed.

What Does Aquavit Taste Like?

Aquavit, especially when unaged, has a neutral background flavor similar to vodka. At the forefront are the flavorings, with caraway up top—think rye bread but in spirit form. The herbaceous flavor is supported by other aromatics like dill, fennel, anise, and clove.

Types

The regional differences in the production of aquavit result in a range of flavor profiles. Though each is dominated by caraway or dill, the background often focuses on a secondary spice and can vary widely.

Where to Buy

Aquavit is a little harder to find in the U.S. than in Europe. And while you likely won't be able to grab a bottle at the corner store, you should be able to find a few options at a liquor store with a good selection. Most bars and restaurants will have one aquavit selection, sometimes listed in the liqueurs section of the menu.

How to Drink Aquavit

Traditionally, aquavit is enjoyed straight either chilled or at room temperature. In Sweden and Denmark, un-aged aquavit is typically served very cold in shot glasses or stemmed liquor glasses. In Norway, aged aquavit is often served at room temperature in order to fully appreciate the flavor nuances imparted by the barrels.

Cocktail Recipes

Swap the vodka or gin in these cocktails with aquavit for a fresh take on the classics.

Get the scoop on this beloved Scandinavian spirit

Amanda Gryphon (née Marsteller) is a digital content producer focused on food and drink. Her experience spans writing, editing and video production.

1. Aquavit Is Especially Good for Caraway (and Dill) Lovers

If you believe nothing compares to a quality loaf of rye bread, chances are you’ll love aquavit. A neutral spirit distilled from grain or potato (much like vodka or gin), aquavit is most commonly flavored with caraway as its dominant spice, though dill is prevalent as well.

2. Aquavit Is the National Spirit of Scandinavia

Heading to Sweden, Norway or Denmark? It won’t be long before you’re presented with a glass of aquavit. Caraway has long been a common flavor in the region and was once considered a cure for indigestion.

3. Aquavit Was Once Believed to Have Healing Powers

Aquavit is derived from the Latin aqua vitae, meaning “water of life.” The name comes from early distillers believing spirits to be a healing liquid, and the convention is shared by other liquors, such as the word whiskey stemming from Gaelic’s uisce beatha or brandy being referred to as eau-de-vie .

4. You Can Toast Like a Viking with Aquavit

A common toast throughout the Nordic countries when celebrating, skol (also skål) is shouted right before downing aquavit. When lifting your glass to give a skol, it’s traditional to maintain eye contact.

5. Aquavit Is a Bit of a Party Animal

Though aquavit is enjoyed year-round in Scandinavia, it’s especially prevalent during special occasions and holidays. For Norwegians, May 17 is Constitution Day, a holiday that’s celebrated with parades, parties and plenty of aquavit. In Sweden and Denmark, it’s drunk socially during midsummer dinners to the tune of raucous drinking songs.

6. Aquavit Varies Depending on the Region

The specific herbs and spices used to flavor aquavit are determined by local preference and cuisine. Swedish and Danish aquavit is usually distilled from grain, while Norwegian aquavit is traditionally made from potatoes. Danish aquavit leans heavier on dill, coriander and caraway and is enjoyed as a chilled shot at midday lunch.

How Do Danes Drink Snaps?

Cold and usually with a traditional smørrebrød lunch of pickled herring. In Denmark, snaps are served as a shot and typically sipped. Well, at least until the alcohol kicks in. You’ll find that Danish snaps always makes an appearance for Easter and Christmas lunches, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Danish Snaps Brands to Try

The Granddaddy of Danish snaps, Aalborg’s table aquavit is arguably the best-known snaps in Denmark. You can even make your own infused spirit with their Aalborg Basis Snaps. It’s a neutral grain aquavit and it’s perfect for steeping your favorite fruits and herbs at home.

How Do Norwegians Drink Snaps?

Norwegian “line aquavits,” those that cross the equator, are sipped like a glass of cognac or whiskey at room temperature or slightly below. Akevitt is a must-have for Easter, Christmas, and Norway’s Constitution Day to counterbalance the traditional pungent cheeses and pickled or fermented fishes.

Norwegian Akevitt Brands to Try

The Norwegian “line aquavit.” Linie’s amber akevitt is matured over a four-month journey from Oslo to Sydney and back.

How Do Icelanders Drink Brennivín?

Neat or as a substitute for gin, rum, or whiskey in a cocktail. Brennivín is also a celebratory shot and the (unofficial) drink of Þorrablót – the Icelandic midwinter festival.

Icelandic Brennivín Brands to Try

Branded as the “Original Icelandic Spirit,” Ölgerðin’s brennivín has retained the same packaging meant to deter consumers a century ago.

How Do the Finns Drink Akvavit?

Cold and in copious amounts from July to September during their annual crayfish parties, kräftskiva; a tradition brought over by Swedo-Finns.