Starting this Sunday and ending next Saturday, it’s the fourth annual Aquavit Week! Founded in 2012 by Portland-based author and bartender Jacob Grier, Aquavit Week celebrates the caraway-flavored Scandinavian beverage through collaborations between distilleries and local food producers or bartenders. Since its inception, the festivities have been expanding, drawing in ever more enthusiasts and cities to celebrate the occasion. This year, for instance, Seattle has officially joined in on the fun for the first time, with Aquavit Week Seattle. Meanwhile, aquavit is one of the fastest-growing spirit categories in the nation.
As such, it is only appropriate to feature a particularly delectable aquavit in anticipation of the 2015 festivities. Hardware Distillery’s Original Aquavit, crafted in Hoodsport, Washington, is from a pear vodka base and characterized by caraway. The aquavit incorporates an array of supporting spices and flavors perfect for the holidays: star anise, fresh orange peel, cloves and coriander. Pick up a bottle this coming week and sample the distillate in a spirited seasonal cocktail, like the December-ready Julevit.
