linie aquavit is a style of Norwegian aquavit double distilled from a base of potatoes. The initial base spirit is distilled in a column still to 96 percent ABV. The second distillation adds a variety of flavoring botanicals in a pot still. Caraway is the signature flavoring botanical, while dill, anise, fennel, and coriander are often included in the botanical mix.
Stylistically, Linie aquavits have a unique form of maturation, as the spirit is placed in 500-liter Spanish oloroso sherry casks for twelve months in a warehouse, before being sent out for four to six months at sea, crossing the equator twice as deck cargo on ships from Norway to Australia and back again. The constant rolling motion of the ship and the fluctuating temperatures during the journey help to mature the spirit during its journey. The name linie is the Norwegian word for “line,” referencing the two trips that are made across the equator while the spirit matures.
The first linie-style aquavit was created by accident. In 1805 Jorgen B. Lysholms (1796–1843), a merchant from Trondheim, Norway, sent a shipment of aquavit in barrels to Indonesia. Several of the barrels went unsold and were returned to Norway two years later, having been mellowed by the transoceanic journey. Stylistically, linie aquavit has a more mellow caraway character, with the sherry-butt influence adding candied fruit and vanilla notes. The major Norwegian producers of linie aquavits are Arcus Gruppen (Lysholm) and Loiten.
See also: abv; aging; aquavit; caraway; column still; kummel; sherry; column still; and still, pot.
Lexi. “Snaps Visa: Norway’s Equatorial Aquavit.” Norwegian American Weekly, April 8, 2016. https://www.norwegianamerican.com/food/snaps-visa-norways-equatorial-aquavit/ (accessed February 18, 2021).
“Lysholm.” Throndjhems Aquavit Club. http://www.aquavitclub.no/om-aquavit/lysholm/ (accessed February 18, 2021).
By: Lance J. Mayhew