Danish schnapps and aquavit

Danish schnapps and Danish aquavit are the generic terms for strong spirits distilled from fermented grains or potatoes - and bottled without aging.

Each schnapps and aquavit has its own distinct taste and flavours, mainly from aromatic herbs and spices.

One exception is the Brøndums Snaps Klar.

It's a neutral - or almost neutral - schnapps, produced especially as base for home made flavoured schnapps.

Danish schnapps and aquavits are not sweet.

Sugar content only lies between 0 and 15 grams per liter - and many schnapps and aquavits don't have any sugar added at all.

The alcohol content lies between 32% and 47% - (64-94 proof).


Aquavit - a certain type of schnapps
According to EU legislation, the term aquavit must only be used, if the schnapps...

• has an alcohol content of at least 37,5% (75 proof)
• has a characteristic taste and fragrance of dill and/or caraway seeds
• does not taste bitter

Most Danish schnapps fall into the aquavit category.

But legislation or not - in daily speak most people use the term schnapps (snaps in Danish) whether it's an aquavit or not.

There are two groups of schnapps and aquavits - clear ones and golden ones.

The golden colour comes from the use of madeira, sherry, tree extract or caramel in the finishing process.

Here in Denmark, schnapps and aquavits are usually served with marinated herrings, smorgasbord, cheese, and fatty foods.

Produced since 1881 by De Danske Spritfabrikker (V&S Distillers) in Aalborg, Denmark - Purveyor to The Royal Danish Court - and exported to more than 150 geographical markets around the world.

Note
The term schnapps is derived from the German word for gulp or mouthful.

The term aquavit is derived from the Latin aqua vitae, meaning water of life.