Is akvavit like 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 does 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.

How is aquavit different from vodka?

So, what is aquavit? Essentially, it’s a vodka- or gin-like spirit. By EU decree, aquavit must be distilled with caraway or dill and should have a minimum alcohol by volume of 37.5%, though 40% is usually the average.

How do Norwegians 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.

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.

What is the most popular drink in Norway?

Aquavit
Aquavit. 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.

Should aquavit be chilled?

Is aquavit similar to whiskey?

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.

Did Vikings drink aquavit?

Drinking aquavit is still a big part of the Scandinavian culture to this day, heavily consumed during the holiday seasons and special occasions. The toasting tradition has some awesome Viking roots.

What do Norwegians drink every day?

Coffee. There’s no need to mention that today the most favorite drink of Norwegians is coffee (the same is probably true for the rest of the planet as well) and they drink it at any time of the day and in huge quantities.

What is Norway’s national drink?

Akvavit
Akvavit or aquavit (/ˈɑːkwəviːt, -və-/; also akevitt in Norwegian; aquavit in English) is a distilled spirit that is principally produced in Scandinavia, where it has been produced since the 15th century. Akvavit is distilled from grain or potatoes, and is flavoured with a variety of herbs.

What is Sweden’s national drink?

Aquavit Is the National Spirit of Scandinavia 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.