Spirit of Hven Organic Aquavit
Spirit of Hven Organic Aquavit is a Swedish organic aquavit — 750mL at 40% ABV (80 proof), copper pot-distilled with fresh organic botanicals and oak-matured as a blend of thirds aged 2, 4, and 6 years — and you can order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: Island of Hven, Sweden — Spirit of Hven Backafallsbyn Distillery
- Base: certified organic aged wheat vodka (aged 12 months before copper-pot distillation); organic, non-GMO, biodynamic, gluten-free, no chill filtration, bottled on site
- Maturation: blend of thirds aged in virgin, air-dried white American oak (Quercus alba) for 2, 4, and 6 years — marketed as "Aquavit of Soft Fudge and Vanilla Character"
- Botanicals: fresh peels of organically grown lemon and oranges, fresh herbs, St. John's wort, a touch of locally harvested honey
- Recognition: Gold — International Wine & Spirit Competition 2018; Silver — San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018
An Aquavit of Soft Fudge and Vanilla
This is not the caraway hammer of traditional aquavit — Spirit of Hven ages its organic wheat vodka a full year before distillation, then matures the aquavit as a blend of oak thirds aged 2, 4, and 6 years in virgin American oak. Fresh citrus peels, herbs, and St. John's wort give an almost Christmas-like tone, and a spoon of local honey rounds the finish into oily sweetness. Gold at the IWSC 2018. More from Spirit of Hven, or browse the full liqueurs shelf.
Tasting Notes
Citrus and fresh herbs up front with a soft fudge-and-vanilla core; a herbal, peppery tone; a scent of fresh-ground coffee gently revealed; long aftertaste with oily, honeyed sweetness.
How to Enjoy
On ice with an orange slice, or with a splash of water — and in the classic aquavit role, as snaps alongside herring or smoked fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this aquavit different?
An organic base aged before distillation, 2/4/6-year oak-third blending, and citrus-herb botanicals instead of a caraway-only profile.
What is the ABV of Spirit of Hven Organic Aquavit?
40% ABV (80 proof).
What awards has it won?
Gold at the IWSC 2018 and Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018.
Is it the same as Hven's Landskrona aquavit?
No — Landskrona is a separate, caraway-forward 41.8% product; this is the organic 40% expression.
For the aquavit shelf that deserves better: order Spirit of Hven Organic Aquavit online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.