TL DR: A balanced, unique, complex spirit excellent on its own or in cocktails. A strong caraway presence gives way to underlying notes of citrus and savory herbs, finishing with just a hint of anise sweetness that softens any edges and whispers "another sip would do you well". We're lucky to live in Michigan where this spirit was first available, and where most of the ingredients are sourced from. Since it hit shelves in 2017 our household has always had a bottle of Norden in a place of prominence in our liquor cabinet, and not for lack of drinking it. Our home has both a professional bartender and an amateur (but enthusiastic!) whiskey drinker with Swedish roots; it quickly won us both over with its remarkable versatility. Even at 90 proof and room temperature, it's an easy sipper; a characteristic atypical of crystal clear, unaged spirits. Chilled and served during dinner as a traditional Scandinavian snaps (or during a busy shift behind the bar!) it is somehow both fortifying and refreshing. It also holds up very well when used in cocktails; a wide foundation of 10 botanicals makes it flexible enough for use in herbal or citrus forward sours, savory martinis, and semi-sweet, boozy Manhattan/Old Fashioned riffs. Norden Aquavit stands as both a wonderful representation of Taffel Style aquavits and as an approachable entryway for newcomers to the category.