Best Norwegian Beverage Types
Norwegian farmhouse ale is an example of a traditional farmhouse ale—a versatile style brewed by European farmers. These beers were designed for local consumption. In Norway, they are known as maltøl, which would literally translate as malt beer.
Norwegian brewing tradition is ancient, and though it has changed over time, it retained some of its unique characteristics. The entire category of farmhouse ales is incredibly versatile. The character depends on the region, brewer’s preferences, and style.
VARIATIONS OF Maltøl
Akvavit is a Scandinavian spirit that is usually distilled from grains or potatoes. After distillation, it is infused with various botanicals, though the most common are caraway and dill. Other options may include fennel, coriander, cloves, or cumin.
The drink can vary in color, and its flavor profile can greatly differ depending on the age and the base ingredients. Danish and Swedish akvavit is typically clear and colorless, while the Norwegian version is sometimes aged in sherry casks, allowing it to attain golden-like color and slightly stronger flavor.
THE BEST Akevitt Spirits
Linie Aquavit
Lysholm Linie Double Cask Port
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold 2023, 2020, 2019
Linie Aquavit
Løiten Linie Aquavit
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
Oss Craft Distillery
Bareksten Botanical Aquavit
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold 2019
Norden Spirits Distilling Co.
Kuriosa Kollektion American Brandy Cask Aquavit
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding 2023
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Karsk is an aromatic Norwegian cocktail that is traditionally served hot. It is made with a combination of coffee and moonshine. To prepare it, a small coin is traditionally placed on the bottom of the cup, which is then filled with strong, hot coffee until the coin is completely covered.
The moonshine is then added to the cup until the coin resurfaces. There is also a variation on Karsk made with vodka instead of moonshine. The name of this cocktail is derived from the adjective karsks, which means vigorous in Old Norse.
Stjørdalsøl is a traditional beer style that falls in the broad category of Norwegian farmhouse ales. It hails from Stjørdal, Trøndelag, one of Norwegian regions that has preserved the tradition of brewing these old farmhouse brews.
Stjørdal now has the largest number of traditional breweries and even features several commercially produced examples. This regional style is very versatile. The final brew varies among breweries and brewers, but most are amber-colored and have a distinctive malty character and smoky notes, ranging from delicate to heavily smoked.
Kornøl is a farmhouse ale from Norway that is classified as raw ale. The beer is mainly associated with Western Norway and the regions Sunnfjord, Nordfjord, and Sunnmøre. The style is not as common as it used to be, but several breweries and enthusiasts preserve this ancient brewing tradition.
Unlike other types of traditional Norwegian beers, Kornøl is not boiled. It is a type of raw ale that is usually brewed with traditional local yeast (kveik) and juniper. The resulting beer is pale and usually cloudy. It is fruity, grainy, and subtly sweet, with a discreet juniper flavor.
Vossaøl is a type of Norwegian farmhouse ale—a traditional beer style that has been brewed for centuries, primarily by farmers who used their grains and hops, along with local yeast. Although this traditional brewing is not as common as it used to be, it is starting to regain popularity.
Unlike other types of local farmhouse ales, Vossaøl is made with unsmoked malt, so it does not have a smoky character. It is often brewed with kveik (traditional yeast), and it is mainly flavored with juniper. The resulting brew is usually clear and dark amber or copper.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Kaffeost, also known as "coffee cheese," is a traditional coffee beverage from the northern regions of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia, particularly in Lapland. What makes it unique is that coffee is mixed with cheese, which is cut into cubes or slices and placed inside the coffee.
The heat from the coffee softens the cheese, creating a unique texture that is slightly melty yet chewy, and the cheese absorbs some of the coffee's flavor, offering a savory and slightly sweet taste combination. Dried cheese leipäjuusto is the traditional choice and is typically made with either reindeer or cow's milk.
Best Norwegian Beverage Producers
Oss Craft Distillery is a Norwegian distillery renowned for its high-quality craft spirits, blending traditional methods with modern innovation. Located in Blomsterdalen, near Bergen, it draws inspiration from Norway’s natural landscapes and folklore.
Its flagship product, Bareksten Botanical Gin, features over 20 botanicals, capturing the essence of Nordic forests with flavors like juniper, elderflower, and blueberries. Founded by Stig Bareksten, the distillery emphasizes authenticity and craftsmanship in every bottle.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2019
The Gin Masters - Gold
2022
BEST Oss Craft Distillery Spirits
Det Norske Brenneri, established in 2011, is one of Norway's leading producers of alcoholic beverages, based in Grimstad, in the Agder region. As the first private distillery to receive a license to produce spirits following the abolition of the state monopoly in 2005, the distillery is dedicated to preserving Norwegian artisanal traditions, producing in small batches to ensure the highest quality of its products.
Their range includes a variety of beverages, such as aquavit, gin, and whisky. Among their most renowned products is "Arvesølvet Aquavit," which features hand-picked berries and herbs from the Norwegian wilderness. Det Norske Brenneri has won numerous international awards for its products, underscoring their commitment to quality and authenticity.
AWARDS
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2022
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy
2021
European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2023
BEST Det Norske Brenneri Spirits
Brennevinsgrova is a Norwegian distillery located in a valley on the outskirts of Sykkylven, surrounded by the Sunnmørsalpene mountains. It was founded by Harald Strømmegjerde in 2019 on his family farm, inspired by the local environment and traditions.
The distillery produces gin, aquavit, and whiskey, using exclusively local ingredients. Raspberries from Valldal, sugar kelp from Herøy, and glacial water contribute to the unique flavor of their beverages, offering an authentic taste of Sunnmøre.
Brennevinsgrova has received numerous awards for the quality of its products, including recognition for the best gin in Norway.
AWARDS
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2024, 2022, 2021
European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2023
BEST Brennevinsgrova Spirits
AWARDS
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2022
The Gin Masters - Gold
2022
Bartender Spirits Awards - Gold
2022, 2021
BEST Berentsens Distillery Spirits
Feddie Ocean Distillery is an artisanal producer of whisky, gin, and aquavit, located on the island of Fedje, off Norway's west coast. Established in 2018, it stands out as Norway's only certified organic distillery, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The distillery was founded with a vision of creating world-class spirits and is notable for its unique ownership structure, being entirely owned by women. This initiative aims to challenge the traditionally male-dominated spirits industry and promote gender equality.
AWARDS
European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
BEST Feddie Ocean Distillery Spirits
Linie Aquavit is a renowned Norwegian brand that specializes in aquavit, a traditional distilled spirit flavored with spices and herbs, such as caraway or dill. Linie Aquavit stands out for its unique maturing process, which involves shipping the spirit in oak barrels across the equator twice—a journey that enhances its flavor through temperature fluctuations and constant movement.
This tradition dates back to the early 19th century and is a hallmark of the brand's commitment to quality and heritage. Linie continues to innovate while preserving its rich history, offering aquavit enthusiasts a taste of Norway's cultural essence.
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2022
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy
2017, 2014, 2008
BEST Linie Aquavit Spirits
AWARDS
The DB & SB Autumn Blind Tasting - Gold
2023
The Liqueur Masters - Gold
2023
The Luxury Masters - Gold
2023
BEST Nuet Spirits
Best Norwegian Beverages
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2020, 2019
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy
2017
Løiten Linie Aquavit is a renowned Norwegian spirit with a rich heritage, known for its distinctive flavor and traditional production process. Like other Linie Aquavits, Løiten Linie undergoes a unique maturation process where the spirit is aged in oak barrels that are shipped across the equator twice.
This journey, which allows the barrels to experience temperature changes and motion, imparts a depth of flavor and complexity to the spirit. The aquavit is flavored with a blend of spices, including caraway, fennel, and dill, giving it a balanced, smooth taste.
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
Bareksten Botanical Aquavit is made from a potato-based spirit flavoured with classic aquavit botanicals such as cumin, fennel and aniseed. It is then rested for 24 months in ex-sherry Oloroso casks. The traditional drink aquavit is derived from the Latin aqua vitae, meaning water of life.
The first written mention of it in Norway dates back to 1531. The drink was used as a panacea for indigestion and was mainly served at Scandinavian celebrations and feasts.
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2019
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
Lyng Norwegian Botanical Gin is a premium Norwegian gin produced by Det Norske Brenneri. Inspired by the resilient heather plant, known as "lyng" in Norwegian, this gin captures the essence of Norway's wild nature. It is crafted using 33 herbs, spices, and flowers, including heather blossom, coltsfoot, elderflower, birch leaves, roseroot, and angelica, all harvested from Norwegian mountains and forests.
Fresh Norwegian juniper berries also play a central role in its flavor profile.
AWARDS
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold
2022
European Spirits Challenge - Gold
2023
Bareksten Double Gin is a unique distillate that stands out for its quality and exclusive recipe. This gin is produced in Norway and is made through an artisanal distillation process using only the freshest and most natural ingredients. The blend of ingredients that make up this gin is perfectly balanced and consists of herbs, spices, flowers and citrus fruits.
Each component is carefully chosen and carefully crafted to ensure a perfect end result.
AWARDS
The Gin Masters - Master
2022
World Gin Awards - Country Winner
2021
The spirit is distilled on the darkest day of the year, resulting in an intense gin full of citrus and juniper flavors. Best enjoyed neat over ice but also works beautifully in a Dry Martini or gin and tonic. Distilled on December 22, 2019, using a unique recipe of dried herbs and fresh fruit.
Clear in color with a pure aroma. Fresh notes of juniper, fruit, and spices.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
AWARDS
European Beer Star - Gold
2021
AWARDS
European Beer Star - Gold
2023
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