Aquavit tasting, 17 December 2022, aquavit #4 Nose: Resinous, with aromas of pine needles and fresh-cut pine wood. Fragrant citrus (orange, lemon), anise, caraway and peppermint. Palate: Spicy arrival with a host of baking spices, juniper, coriander and curry leaf. The palate is a little hot and hard, with a somewhat raw quality. Finish: Medium/long. Spicy and resinous into the aftertaste. This aquavit had the most interesting nose of the tasting selection with a near explosion of herbal and pine-forest notes. We were told that it is produced by a farm distillery and local caraway, dandelion, fir shoots, watercress and meadowsweet are sourced for the recipe, and that it is sweetened with honey. However as much as I enjoyed the demonstrative nose of this one, for me the palate was the least balanced and refined of the lineup. I felt it had a hot and almost harsh quality even though at 38% abv it was the lowest proof spirit. It gave me the impression of being very young and unsettled. It was certainly an interesting aquavit to try but not one that I’d buy. “Above Average” : 81/100 (3 stars)