Linie Aquavit (70cl, 41.5%)

Linie is a Norwegian aquavit made from a potato-based distillate blended with Nordic herbs and spices, prominently caraway and star anise. It is bottled at 41.5% in a 70cl bottle. After distillation it is matured in Oloroso sherry oak casks and then sent on a sea voyage that crosses the equator twice before bottling. The ocean travel, changes in temperature and movement of the barrels are said to deepen its complexity and smoothness. The nose has caraway seed, star anise, orange peel, light vanilla and a little sherry oak. The palate is smooth, with firm caraway and anise spice, toasted oak, gentle vanilla sweetness and a faint saline note. The finish is medium to long, with dry oak, a hint of liquorice and a warming mineral edge.