PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Aquavit's name comes directly from the Latin aqua vitae, "water of life," and the spirit's own documented history reaches back centuries — the earliest known written reference appears in a 1531 letter from the Danish Lord of Bergenshus. Breckenridge Distillery's own version traces that lineage even further, back to 15th-century Viking tradition, when herbal infusions like these first became part of Scandinavian drinking culture. Head Distiller Hans Stafsholt built Breckenridge's take on the style the same way Vikings once did: infusing a blend of classic Scandinavian botanicals directly into grain neutral spirit, the same base used in the distillery's own gin.
The botanical bill runs genuinely deep — fennel, caraway, anise, white peppercorn, black sesame seed, and kaffir lime leaf all play a role, with Stafsholt using the black sesame specifically to add subtle depth on the palate, and the kaffir lime leaf chosen deliberately to bring a touch of herbal citrus brightness without ever tasting like biting into actual citrus fruit. Coriander rounds out the recipe, tying the whole blend together. Interestingly, Stafsholt has noted that the combination of orange and lemon citrus notes with the rest of the herbs, roots, and flowers in this distillation process actually smells, in his own words, almost like "Froot Loops" — a genuinely playful, unexpected note behind an otherwise serious, traditionally rooted spirit. True to Breckenridge Distillery's broader philosophy, ingredients are sourced as close to home as possible whenever feasible, continuing the distillery's commitment to Colorado-rooted production across its full lineup.
The official tasting notes describe aromas of fresh eucalyptus and dried orange peel opening the nose, developing into "a piquant balance of cool licorice and caraway spice" that extends through a genuinely complex finish. Del Mesa Liquor's tasting confirms the same profile: "inviting aromas of fresh eucalyptus and dried orange peel, offering a crisp and invigorating introduction," followed by "a harmonious blend of cool licorice and caraway spice, delivering a piquant and layered flavor experience." True to Scandinavian tradition, this is best served chilled, straight, and paired with heavier fare — rich meats and cheeses are the classic accompaniment, letting the spirit's herbal, savory character cut through and complement the food rather than compete with it.
Breckenridge Aquavit is produced by Breckenridge Distillery in Breckenridge, Colorado, under Head Distiller Hans Stafsholt. The spirit draws on Scandinavian aquavit tradition dating back to 15th-century Viking herbal infusions, with the earliest documented written reference to aquavit itself appearing in a 1531 letter from the Danish Lord of Bergenshus.
The spirit is made by infusing grain neutral spirit — the same base used in Breckenridge's own gin — with a blend of classic aquavit botanicals: fennel, caraway, anise, white peppercorn, black sesame seed, kaffir lime leaf, and coriander. Breckenridge Distillery sources ingredients as close to home in Colorado as possible whenever practical, consistent with its broader approach across its full spirits portfolio. Bottled at 45% ABV / 90 proof.
No formal numerical critic score is confirmed for this product at this time.
Breckenridge Distillery (official product release):
"Aquavit is here. Reminiscent of its Scandinavian background, this creation introduces aromatics of fresh eucalyptus and dried orange peel. A piquant balance of cool licorice and caraway spice extends this offering's complex finish. This liqueur is generally served as an aperitif with heavy meat and cheese appetizers."
Del Mesa Liquor (official tasting note):
"Breckenridge Aquavit is a distinctive spirit crafted by Breckenridge Distillery in Colorado, drawing inspiration from traditional Scandinavian aquavits. This expression is renowned for its complex and aromatic profile, making it a unique addition to the distillery's lineup. Nose: Inviting aromas of fresh eucalyptus and dried orange peel, offering a crisp and invigorating introduction. Palate: A harmonious blend of cool licorice and caraway spice, delivering a piquant and layered flavor experience."
Nose
Fresh eucalyptus and dried orange peel lead, offering a crisp, invigorating introduction with herbal brightness.
Palate
A harmonious, piquant blend of cool licorice and caraway spice unfolds, layered with fennel, anise, and a subtle herbal citrus note from kaffir lime leaf, balanced by black sesame depth and coriander.
Finish
Complex and lingering, with cool licorice and caraway spice extending well through the close — savory and herbal rather than sweet.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Aquavit (Scandinavian Herbal Spirit) |
| ABV / Proof | 45% ABV / 90 Proof |
| Base | Grain neutral spirit |
| Botanicals | Fennel, caraway, anise, white peppercorn, black sesame, kaffir lime leaf, coriander |
| Producer | Breckenridge Distillery — Breckenridge, Colorado |
| Head Distiller | Hans Stafsholt |
| Historic Roots | 15th-century Scandinavian/Viking herbal infusion tradition |
| Name Origin | Latin aqua vitae, "water of life" |
| Style / Identity | A traditionally rooted, herbal Scandinavian spirit with genuine Colorado craftsmanship |
| Aromas & Flavors | Eucalyptus, dried orange peel, licorice, caraway spice |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
Traditionally served chilled, neat, as an aperitif alongside heavy meat and cheese appetizers.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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