Linie Aquavit
Linie Aquavit is the world's most famous aquavit — a Norwegian potato-spirit seasoned with caraway, dill, anise, fennel, and coriander, aged 12 months in old sherry casks, then finished with a four-month sea voyage that crosses the equator twice. Bottled at 41.5% ABV in a 750mL bottle by Arcus AS in Hagan, Norway; the brand dates to 1821 and Jørgen B. Lysholm of Trondheim. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 83 proof (41.5% ABV) — 750mL bottle (US)
- Base: potato spirit, pot-distilled; caraway, dill, anise, fennel, coriander
- Aging: 12 months in old sherry casks + 4-month sea voyage (equator crossed twice)
- Origin: Norway — produced by Arcus AS, Hagan; brand since 1821
- Signature: ship name and crossing dates printed on every bottle
The Spirit That Sails the Equator
The Linie legend began in 1821, when a shipment of Lysholm aquavit sent to the East Indies came back unsold — and tasted better for the voyage. The rocking of the ship, the temperature swings, the sea air: the journey had finished the spirit. Two centuries later, every batch of Linie still sails — four months at sea, the equator crossed twice ("linie" is Norwegian for "the line"), with the ship's name and dates printed on the bottle. It is the defining aquavit, and a ritual pour with Scandinavian food. Browse the aquavit collection or explore Linie Aquavit at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Caraway and dill up front, with anise, fennel, and sherry nuttiness behind. The palate is smooth and savory-spiced — caraway seed, coriander, dried fruit — finishing warm, dry, and unmistakably Scandinavian.
How to Enjoy
Ice-cold, in small glasses, with cured fish, pickles, and dark bread — the traditional Scandinavian serve. Also excellent in a Nordic-style Bloody Mary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linie Aquavit Norwegian or Swedish?
Norwegian — it is produced by Arcus AS in Hagan, Norway, and the brand was founded in Trondheim in 1821. (The live region tag on this listing incorrectly said Sweden.)
Why does aquavit cross the equator?
Tradition: the 1821 discovery that a sea voyage improved the spirit. Every Linie batch still sails four months, crossing the equator twice.
What does aquavit taste like?
Caraway and dill dominate — savory, spiced, and dry, somewhere between gin and whiskey in spirit.
Two centuries of sea voyages in one bottle — order Linie Aquavit from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.