Aalborg Taffel Akvavit
Aalborg Taffel Akvavit is Denmark's table spirit — a 750mL bottle at 45% ABV of crystal-clear, caraway-forward akvavit, distilled to a recipe unchanged since 1846. "Taffel" literally means "table," and that's where this belongs: ice-cold alongside herring, smoked fish and celebration food, the way Denmark has done it for nearly two centuries. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Danish akvavit (caraway-forward, unaged)
- Botanicals: caraway with a hint of orange, plus anise, fennel, citrus
- Heritage: recipe unchanged since 1846 — Denmark's most popular akvavit
- Awards: Best Aquavit in the World, IWSC 2002; Gold, SFWSC 2016; Gold, ISC 2017
- Origin: Aalborg, Denmark
The Spirit of the Danish Table
Akvavit — from aqua vitae, "water of life" — is Scandinavia's defining spirit, and Aalborg Taffel is its benchmark. First distilled in 1846 by what became Danish Distillers (founded 1881, once the world's largest aquavit producer), it remains the best-selling akvavit in Denmark and the classic "table aquavit" against which all others are measured. The poet Jørgen Vibe wrote that Aalborg Taffel "lights the fires of delight" — pure caraway with a whisper of orange, clean, dry and assertive at 45%. Explore more Aalborg, browse the store's aquavit shelf, or compare with other European spirits.
Tasting Notes
Crystal clear. The nose is bright caraway — pure and intense — with light orange peel, subtle anise and gentle fennel. The palate is clean and dry: bold caraway, lemon zest, coriander and mild black pepper, smooth and velvety despite the proof. The finish is medium and warming, with lingering caraway, spice and citrus zest.
How to Enjoy
Ice-cold and neat in a small glass, the Danish way — traditionally served alongside pickled herring, smoked fish, gorgonzola or rich pork. Also a striking botanical base for savory cocktails like an aquavit Bloody Mary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is akvavit?
Scandinavia's caraway- (or dill-) flavored spirit, distilled from grain or potato and seasoned with botanicals — the Nordic equivalent of a national drink.
What does Aalborg Taffel taste like?
Pure caraway with a hint of orange — clean, dry, assertive and warming at 45% ABV.
How do you serve akvavit?
Ice-cold and neat, traditionally with salty Nordic foods like herring or smoked fish.
Denmark's classic, unchanged since 1846 — order Aalborg Taffel Akvavit online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.