What is aquavit?
If you’ve ever taken a deep dive into the history of spirits, you’ve probably come across the term aquavit multiple times. But what does the term actually mean and what’s behind it?
The term aquavit (in some countries “akvavit”) comes from the Latin term aqua vitae – in English: water of life or life water. Although the name’s meaning is very general, it designates something very specific: a spirit of Scandinavian origin, distilled from grains or potatoes, and which receives its flavour from herbs and spices. The main flavour agent of aquavit is caraway or dill. Visually, you can recognise aquavit by its light golden colour.
The history of aquavit
Aquavit was first mentioned in a document in 1531: In a letter, a Danish aristocrat tells the Norwegian archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson about “some water which is called Aqua Vite and is a help for all sorts of illnesses which a man can have both internally and externally.”
How is aquavit produced?
To create aquavit, a spirit with a base of potatoes or grains has to be produced first. After the distillation, the aquavit is flavoured with a selection of herbs, spices and fruit oils. The most popular ingredients include caraway, dill, cardamom, fennel, lemon peel and cumin.
After the distillation, the aquavit is diluted to drinking strength and is then transferred to casks, where it is stored for a while. In order to refine the flavour of the spirit, oak casks which used to store sherry wines can be used.
The longer the aquavit matures, the darker is its colour. However, some producers also add a hint of food colouring to give the spirit a darker tone.
How do you drink aquavit?
In contrast to many other spirits, aquavit is to be enjoyed while eating. In Denmark, aquavit is served with ice during special meals as well as on holidays like Easter or Christmas. In Sweden, aquavit is consumed during the traditional festivities at the summer solstice.
Which special aquavit brands exist?
Linie Aquavit
One of the most interesting aquavit brands is, without a doubt, the Norwegian producer Linie Aquavit. Aquavit by Linie is matured in ex-sherry casks, which are stored on ships for 19 weeks, which cross the Equator. The climatic conditions, the sea air and the constant movement are supposed to help the aquavit develop its aromas. If you’ve ever tried Linie Aquavit, you can probably confirm that the effort is worth it.
Other interesting brands are, for example, Malteserkreuz Aquavit, Bommerlunder and Aalborg Akvavit.
Aquavit at Gustero
Our selection of aquavit is, admittedly, small. However, this should not stop you from looking at our assortment – especially, since we only choose products that we can stand behind. With Linie Aquavit we offer an absolute classic which stands out from all other aquavits on the market in its production. Order the aromatic spirit before 17.00 and receive your order the next weekday!
