North Shore Aquavit 750ML

North Shore Aquavit 750ML is a 45% ABV (90 proof) oak-aged American aquavit from North Shore Distillery in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Recognized as the first aquavit produced in the United States, this expression earned 95 points and an Exceptional rating from the Beverage Testing Institute, along with Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof)  |  Origin: Illinois, USA  |  Oak-Aged Aquavit  |  Distillery: North Shore Distillery

Production & Heritage

North Shore Distillery holds the distinction of producing the first aquavit on American soil. The spirit starts with a grain base that is infused and distilled with a botanical blend of caraway, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and coriander. It then rests in new toasted American oak barrels — an uncommon step for the aquavit category — which contributes both natural color and additional complexity. Notably, North Shore adds no caramel coloring; the straw-gold hue and all flavor compounds come entirely from the distillation and aging process.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with vibrant pink peppercorn and cardamom before releasing layers of lemongrass, herbal roots, and a subtle sandalwood undertone. These aromatic notes are stimulating and immediately distinguish the spirit from unaged Scandinavian counterparts.

Taste: A silky entry gives way to a dryish medium-to-full body. Rich caraway and cumin dominate the mid-palate, joined by sweet clove, anise, and warm coriander spice. The oak aging rounds the profile with a gentle hint of caramel and tilled earth.

Finish: The finish is long and spicy, fading gradually through lingering caraway warmth and peppery heat. A smooth, rounded texture persists, leaving a savory impression well after the last sip.

How to Drink North Shore Aquavit

This aquavit rewards slow sipping at room temperature, where the oak and botanical complexity unfold fully. A single ice cube can tame the 90-proof heat and open up the cardamom and cumin notes without dulling the finish.

• Trident: North Shore's caraway backbone and oak spice stand up alongside Cynar and dry sherry in this savory, stirred classic.
• Nordic Mule: The spirit's cumin and coriander meld naturally with ginger beer and fresh lime, creating a Scandinavian twist on the familiar mule format.
• Aquavit Negroni: Substituting gin with this expression adds an earthy, spice-driven dimension that complements sweet vermouth and Campari.

Best For

• Gifting a spirits enthusiast interested in American craft distilling
• Adding a unique base spirit to an adventurous home bar
• Hosting a Scandinavian-inspired dinner with traditional smoked fish and gravlax
• Exploring the aquavit category beyond standard unaged Danish or Norwegian expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does North Shore Aquavit taste like? North Shore Aquavit leads with rich caraway and cumin backed by warm cardamom, sweet clove, and anise, with oak-derived caramel undertones and a long, spicy finish. The Beverage Testing Institute described it as having a silky entry with a dryish medium-to-full body and notes of pink peppercorn, lemongrass, and sandalwood.

How does North Shore Aquavit compare to Aalborg Table Akvavit? Aalborg Table Akvavit — the world's best-selling aquavit — is an unaged Danish expression with a sharp, clean caraway focus, while North Shore Aquavit is an American-made spirit aged in new toasted American oak, giving it added body, caramel undertones, and a broader spice profile. Both are caraway-driven, but North Shore's oak aging and higher proof (90 vs. Aalborg's typical 80 proof) produce a richer, more complex spirit.

Is North Shore Aquavit good for sipping neat? Yes — its 90-proof intensity is balanced by a silky texture and layered botanicals that reward slow, contemplative sipping. Imbibe Magazine noted the spirit is rich, full-bodied, and complex, and SpiritsReview.com called it incredibly smooth and seductively aromatic for an aquavit.

Where is North Shore Aquavit made? North Shore Aquavit is produced at North Shore Distillery in Lake Bluff, Illinois, making it the first aquavit distilled in the United States. The distillery handles the full process — grain-base distillation, botanical infusion, and oak aging — on site.

What foods pair well with North Shore Aquavit? Smoked salmon and gravlax echo the spirit's Scandinavian roots and complement its caraway spice. Rye bread with butter and dill highlights the cumin and coriander notes. Aged Gouda or Gruyère mirrors the oak-derived caramel. Pickled herring or beet salad pairs well with the spirit's peppery warmth, and charcuterie featuring cured meats benefits from the full-bodied spice.

What sizes does North Shore Aquavit come in? North Shore Aquavit is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is North Shore Aquavit worth the price? North Shore Aquavit positions as a craft-premium expression within the small but growing American aquavit category. Its oak aging, 95-point BTI rating, and Gold Medal wins at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition place it among the most acclaimed aquavits available, offering considerable depth relative to its price tier.

Why North Shore Aquavit?

North Shore Aquavit holds a genuinely unique position: it was the first aquavit distilled in the United States, and its aging regimen in new toasted American oak remains unusual in a category dominated by unaged or briefly rested expressions. The 95-point Exceptional rating from the Beverage Testing Institute and Gold Medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition validate the approach. With no added caramel coloring and a botanical bill that balances five distinct spices against natural oak influence, this is an aquavit built for drinkers who want demonstrable complexity rather than simple caraway sharpness.