Krogstad Gamle Aquavit
Krogstad Gamle Aquavit is the barrel-aged expression of Krogstad Aquavit — "gamle" means aged — made by House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon, from caraway and star anise, matured 10–12 months in used French oak pinot noir barrels. 750mL — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
Christian Krogstad, the Norwegian co-founder of House Spirits, began making aquavit for personal use after a Scandinavian aquavit shortage in winter 2006 panicked his family's holiday table — bartenders who tasted it were captivated, and he commercialized it. House Spirits was one of the first US distilleries to make aquavit. Gamle is the barrel-aged counterpart to the Classic: corn-distilled, botanically charged with caraway and star anise, and finished in premium used French oak (Oregon pinot noir) barrels. It earned a 92 rating ("Exceptional") from the Beverage Tasting Institute.
Tasting notes (official): the nose opens with anise, giving way to rye bread and caraway; light barrel toast mellows the spiciness and imparts earthy toasted-nut flavors; natural oil character lends subtle sweetness to the finish. Whisky Advocate found a creamy mouthfeel, sweet with a slight bite, floral and herbal caraway mingling with caramel, vanilla, and tannin from the barrel aging.
Why buy Krogstad Gamle? Because it is America's first commercial aquavit — and the barrel-aged expression is the one that converts whiskey drinkers, with pinot-noir-barrel maturity smoothing the caraway spice. Browse the Krogstad brand collection and other fine distilled spirits.
Serving note: sip neat, in a toddy, or as a substitute for aged spirits in cocktails; the barrel toast loves a large cube.
What does "Gamle" mean? "Aged" — it is the barrel-aged expression of Krogstad Aquavit, alongside the unaged Classic.
What barrels is it aged in? Used French oak pinot noir barrels, for 10–12 months.
What botanicals are used? Caraway and star anise, distilled from corn — the traditional Scandinavian aquavit signature.
What proof is Krogstad Gamle? US retailers list it at 84 proof (42% ABV); the distillery's own page does not publish a figure.