Back to Sweden
After a couple of side trips we are back to our tasting of Swedish snaps thanks again to my friend, Henrik.
For this week’s taste-off I decided to pair two aquavits/akvavits that were made with the same herbs. Now the difference in spelling is a little confusing to me as I had thought that it was a country based differentiation and in most cases it is. However, both of these spirits are made in Sweden by the same distiller, yet one is an aquavit and the the other an akvavit. Interesting….
However you spell it, this flavored vodka has been around for many years. The first license for production in Sweden was granted in 1498 and there had been quite a history of homemade versions prior to that first license being issued! For those of you keeping track that would be pretty close to the same timeframe in which Columbus “discovered” the Americas!
The two I tasted were O.P. Anderson Aquavit and SKÂNE Akvavit. Both are flavored with caraway, aniseed and fennel but the descriptions of what they best complement vary. Salmon and herring are suggested for both but the SKÂNE is suggested for Asian food and sushi while the O.P. Anderson is suggested for strong cheese.
I tasted them side by side and while there were similarities there were also strong differences. The SKÂNE is soft and rounded with the caraway flavor reminding me of a light rye. The light hint of licorice from the anise and fennel leaves a slightly sweet aftertaste. It was quite delightful on its own.
The O.P. Anderson, on the other hand, was much more forceful. The alcohol played the biggest role right upfront. It was much sharper on the palate although the caraway came through strongly in the finish. It was a bit overpowering on its own but would be very good with other strong flavors. In my research I came across a recipe for gravlax made with O.P. Anderson which I think would be quite delicious. O.P. stands for Olof Peter a spirits manufacturer.
Both are 40% alcohol. The flavors of both have a nice settling affect on the stomach. One of the resources I found seemed to imply that O.P. Anderson was not aged long and that could account for the harsher alcohol taste upfront. Still, like many strong spirits taken straight, taking small sips and savoring the flavors yields a pleasant result.
I’ve six more little bottles to go! Look for more notes on Swedish liquors in the weeks to come!
Have you tried Bäska? I don’t like it, but can drink it, and usually choose O.P. for my snaps!
I’ve enjoyed Skane for years and have tried the OP also but find it quite strong in comparison. Unfortunately, I cannot find Skane in the States. Anyone have any hints on where I might purchase it in the states?