Høvding Aquavit (75cl, 40%)

Høvding is a Norwegian aquavit from Det Norske Brenneri in Grimstad, sold in a 75cl bottle at 40% abv. The name means 'chief' in Norwegian. It is distilled in copper pots and flavoured with caraway, coriander, star anise, fennel seed, orange and lemon peel and liquorice, plus botanicals from the distillery's own garden. The spirit is then rested in Oloroso sherry casks, which softens it. Caraway and warm spice lead on the nose. The palate is soft, mellow and well rounded, with dried fruit and apricot from the sherry casks and a lingering, gentle spice. It is served chilled and neat in the Scandinavian way, or alongside rich Nordic food.