DISTILLER'S NOTES:
For their “American Oak Reserve” The team at Norden Aquavit has taken their award-winning (Double Gold/Best In class at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition) Original Taffel-Style Aquavit and allowed it to rest undisturbed for a minimum of 1 year in previously used American oak casks. Bottled at 107 proof and void of additional flavoring, coloring, chill-filtration, or sweeteners of any kind, what you get is a traditional botanical spirit in its most honest matured form.
Each bottle contains release number, cask info, and blend/age statement and will be unique based on time the Aquavit was aged, the characteristics of the casks and the liquids they once held.
Tasting notes: Common impressions, across the range, from Norden’s Distiller and Blender, Robyn Cleveland, are the following:
Heightened botanical aromas, pronounced caraway spice, and subtly-sweet vanilla notes from the oak which lead to more of a soft, citrus laced finish than that of the original.
The inaugural release (600 bottles) was housed exclusively in 53 gallon Ex-Kentucky Rye barrels and is a meticulous blend of 12, 16, and 18 month aged distillate and has a brilliantly balanced Caraway spice offset by lingering sweetness of the supporting botanicals and hints of mellow oak character.
Future releases will see the continued use of rye casks, bourbon casks, and the occasional single-barrel featuring rare casks such as port, sherry, and unique wine barrels like Michigan Apple.”
