Aquavits

The base for all our aquavits is our pear vodka.

Being a fjord, the Hood Canal is perfectly situated for the production of aquavit.

It is similar to Scandinavia, the birthplace of aquavit, in climate and topography, and we expect an excellent aquavit to come from our waters.

Aquavit is a holiday treat in Scandinavia. (See recipe below.) It is one of the older liquors, and there are records of aquavit dating back to the 16^th century. Like many of the older spirits, it was named “Aqua Vite” for “water of life” and was considered to have medicinal properties.

Aquavit is also spelled “akvavit” or “akevitt.” It is associated with many traditions in Scandinavia. It is popularly believed to help digest rich foods, and it’s enjoyed at holiday time and celebrations throughout the year. It is often drunk while singing a traditional drinking song.

Like gin, the recipes and flavors of aquavit vary among brands and are kept secret. Also like gin, there is a dominant flavor. In aquavit the dominant flavor is caraway. Other botanicals found in aquavit recipes may include cardamom, anise, fennel, and lemon or orange peel.

Aquavit may be aged in barrels, but it does not have to be. Norway has a unique tradition of sending barrels of aquavit in ships from Norway to Australia and back again. The steady movement of the waves, the humidity and the mercurial temperatures cause the aquavit to extract more flavor from the barrels. Upon returning to Norway, the ocean-aged aquavit can be labeled as “linje” aquavit. Because this process has not been successfully reproduced in simulated circumstances on land, boats loaded with barrels of aquavit continue to set sail from Norway to Australia and back again.

Our house Aquavit is based on our pear Vodka, and its dominant flavor is caraway.

OUR OTHER AQUAVITS

Dill Aquavit

has a subtle dill taste, and is a much quieter aquavit.
It is made from our pear vodka, just as our original aquavit.

Cardamom Aquavit

has a great cardamom nose and a nice peppery finish.
Our Cardamom Aquavit is made from our pear vodka, just as our original Aquavit.

Hardware Holiday Cocktail

JULEVIT

Ingredients:

Sugar cube

Splash of Becherovka

Orange segment (blood orange, if available)

2 oz. Hardware Distillery Aquavit

Ice

Splash of water

Directions:

Place the sugar cube on a tea plate. Cover the sugar cube with Becherovka and soak the sugar cube until softened. Place the sugar in the glass with the orange and muddle lightly, crushing the softened sugar, but lightly bruising the orange. Add ice and Hardware Distillery Aquavit. Top with a splash of water. Garnish with orange.