Hovding Aquavit
Høvding Aquavit is a Norwegian aquavit — 750mL at 40% ABV (80 proof), copper pot-distilled with caraway, coriander, star anise, fennel seed, citrus peels, and licorice, then finished in Oloroso sherry casks — and you can order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: Grimstad, Norway — Det Norske Brenneri ("The Norwegian Distillery")
- Distillation: copper pot distilled; aromatized with caraway (aquavit's defining botanical), coriander, star anise, fennel seed, orange and lemon peel, licorice, plus botanicals from the distillery's own garden
- Finishing: rested in Oloroso sherry casks for a soft, mellow, well-rounded profile
- Name: "Høvding" means "chief" in Norwegian — leader of a Viking tribe
Norway's Sherry-Finished Aquavit
Aquavit is Scandinavia's defining spirit — caraway-led by EU definition — and Høvding brings a Norwegian take with an unusual finish. Det Norske Brenneri pot-distills a full botanical bill (caraway first, then coriander, star anise, fennel, citrus, licorice) and rests the spirit in Oloroso sherry casks, which rounds the edges into dried-fruit and apricot softness with elegant lingering spice. The name means "chief." See more from Hovding, or browse the store's liqueurs and Nordic-spirit shelves.
Tasting Notes
Caraway and warm spice on the nose; dried fruits and apricots from the sherry-cask finish; a soft, mellow, well-rounded palate with elegant lingering spice.
How to Enjoy
Chilled, neat, in the Scandinavian tradition — or alongside rich Nordic fare. A superb aquavit for the holiday table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aquavit?
A caraway- or dill-led Scandinavian distilled spirit (37.5–60% ABV under EU rules), traditionally served chilled with festive meals.
What does Høvding mean?
"Chief" in Norwegian — the leader of a Viking tribe.
What is the ABV of Hovding Aquavit?
40% ABV (80 proof).
Is it barrel-aged?
It's finished in Oloroso sherry casks, which softens and rounds the spirit — there's no age statement.
Rule the aquavit shelf: order Hovding Aquavit online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.