Top Aquavit Brands: Elevate Your Spirit Experience!

Aquavit, a traditional Scandinavian spirit infused with caraway or dill, has been making waves in the global spirits market. With its rich history and unique flavor, it's no wonder that more brands are stepping up to offer their take on this classic drink. From small-batch distilleries to established names in the spirit industry, each brand brings something distinct to the table, catering to a wide variety of palates. If you're keen to discover which brands are leading the pack in the world of aquavit, explore the comprehensive list below.

Illustration of aquavit

Best brands of aquavit in 2025

Linie Aquavit

Linie Aquavit, a distinguished Norwegian brand, is renowned for its unique maturation process, where the spirit travels in oak sherry casks across the equator, resulting in a smooth, complex flavor. With their classic expression being bottled at 41.5% ABV, the brand has been producing aquavit since 1821, and the remarkable journey across the equator occurs twice, contributing to its distinctive taste. The process can take around 4 months.

Aalborg Akvavit

Aalborg Akvavit, established in 1846, stands as a premier producer of aquavit, known for its distinctive caraway flavor profile with a typical alcohol content of 40-45%; the brand offers a range of variations, including the classic Aalborg Taffel Akvavit and the aged Aalborg Jubilæums Akvavit, both celebrated for their craftsmanship and heritage. With a history spanning over 175 years, Aalborg Akvavit has solidified its reputation for quality and tradition in the Nordic spirits market. Consumers globally enjoy this spirit neat, chilled, or as a key ingredient in cocktails, appreciating its versatility.

Brennivin

Brennivin, Iceland's signature spirit, is a type of aquavit distilled from fermented grain mash and flavored with caraway, boasting a 37.5% to 40% ABV. Although its recipe is ancient, it was formally introduced in 1935 after prohibition was partially lifted, becoming known as the "Black Death" due to its black label. It is often enjoyed chilled as a shot, with beer, or in cocktails, and a special cask selection aged version is also available, with an ABV of 40% that has won the gold medal at the 2022 International Wine & Spirits Competition. For more details, visit Brennivin's official website.

O.P. Anderson Aquavit

O.P. Anderson Aquavit, established in 1891 by Carl August Anderson as a tribute to his father Olof Peter Anderson, is a renowned Swedish brand that stands as one of the oldest and best aquavit producers, using a signature blend of caraway, anise, and fennel; this classic spirit is distilled from a base of Swedish wheat and aged in oak barrels for at least six months, resulting in a smooth, balanced flavor profile at 40% ABV, making it a versatile choice for traditional and modern cocktails. For more details, visit their official website.

Krogstad Aquavit

Krogstad Aquavit, a distinguished producer, crafts exceptional aquavits using traditional methods, with their flagship bottling boasting a robust 40% ABV; they have been producing award-winning aquavit since 2012, showcasing a dedication to quality; their expressions feature caraway and other botanicals, resulting in a complex and layered flavor profile, making it a top choice for enthusiasts; known for smooth finishes and elegant presentations, Krogstad consistently receives high praise from critics and consumers; you can explore their full range and purchase options at Krogstad's official website.

Lysholm No. 52

Lysholm No. 52, a distinguished aquavit brand with 40% ABV, was created by Master Blender Ivan Abrahamsen and launched in 2016, using 11 botanicals including caraway, star anise, and coriander. Named in honor of Jørgen B. Lysholm, a pioneer in Norwegian distilling whose 52nd recipe trial became the final product, this spirit is often called the "Gin of the Nordics" due to its similar production methods. It is designed for cocktails, moving away from traditional schnapps consumption, and is known for its clear, transparent appearance, unlike cask-matured aquavits, making it suitable for mixing.

Gamle Ode

Gamle Ode, a distinguished producer of aquavit since 1987, crafts exceptional spirits, including its flagship expression, a 40% ABV aquavit celebrated for its traditional caraway flavor, and their special reserve at 41.5% ABV; their meticulous production methods consistently earn them high praise, making them a top choice for aquavit enthusiasts. Explore their range and heritage for more insight into their celebrated offerings.

Arcus

Arcus, a leading Nordic producer, is renowned for its high-quality aquavit, a traditional Scandinavian spirit flavored with caraway or dill, often containing around 40% ABV. Some expressions like Linie Aquavit undergo a unique maturation process, traveling by sea in sherry casks. The company's roots trace back to the 1800s when trade began with casks of aquavit, making them a cornerstone of Nordic drinking culture. Their portfolio includes brands such as Lysholm, Gammel Opland, and Løiten.

Gothenburg Yeni Raki

While not an aquavit producer, Gothenburg is not associated with Yeni Raki; Yeni Raki is a Turkish brand with a rich 500-year history, first produced in 1944, and is a popular anise-flavored spirit with 45% alcohol by volume, crafted from carefully selected grapes and aniseed. With 65% of its alcohol coming from grape-based suma, it is traditionally enjoyed with cold water, causing the drink to turn milky white. It stands as a cultural symbol of social life in Turkey. For more information, visit their official website.

Hammer & Son Ltd. Nordic Spirits

Hammer & Son Ltd., established in 1921, has earned a reputation as a premier producer of aquavit under its Nordic Spirits brand, crafting exceptional spirits with a distinctive Nordic character. Their aquavit expressions often feature a complex blend of caraway, dill, and other botanicals, typically bottled at around 40-45% ABV, and are known for their smooth and balanced flavor profiles. This brand's dedication to traditional distilling methods results in award-winning aquavits, highly regarded by connoisseurs worldwide. The brand offers a range of products, from classic styles to innovative, contemporary twists. Discover more about their range of aquavit on their website.