Aalborg Taffel Danish Aquavit 70 cl 41%

A herring lunch without this one feels unfinished. Aalborg Taffel is the akvavit generations of Danes have raised their glass to - clear as spring water, sharp as a good story, and every bit as inevitable as the meal itself.

The Expert's Description

Aalborg Taffel Akvavit is a Danish akvavit at 41% ABV and the very archetype of a clear Danish akvavit, launched in 1846 by Isidor Henius, the man behind modern Danish spirit production.

Danes have nicknamed it Red Aalborg after its red label, even though the akvavit itself is crystal clear. It is distilled from caraway seed, which gives it its distinct, characterful taste.

Aalborg Taffel is the akvavit against which many others in the range are, in a sense, measured, and it remains the best-selling akvavit in Denmark.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The aroma is clean and direct with a pronounced caraway character that leaves no doubt about what you are dealing with.

Palate

The palate is clear and characterful with distinct caraway upfront, free of distracting sweetness or additions.

Finish

Close your eyes and a discreet hint of orange can be sensed behind the lingering caraway taste.

Specifications

Name: Aalborg Taffel Danish Akvavit
Distillery: Aalborg Akvavit
Country: Denmark
Type: Caraway-spiced akvavit
ABV: 41%
Size: 70 CL
Serving suggestion: Serve ice cold at -18 to 7°C
EAN: 7048352072651

Flavour Profile

Caraway · Orange · Clean · Characterful

Did You Know?

Aalborg Taffel Akvavit is commonly nicknamed Red Aalborg because of its red label - the akvavit itself is completely clear and colourless.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aalborg Taffel Danish Akvavit

What food pairs best with Aalborg Taffel?

It is a perfect match for a slice of pickled herring with a ring of raw onion, and it is also a safe choice with cured sausage or roast pork with pickles.

Why is it called Red Aalborg?

The nickname comes from the red label on the bottle, even though the akvavit in the glass is completely clear and colourless.

When was Aalborg Taffel launched?

It first came to market in 1846, when Isidor Henius opened his distillery in Aalborg.

What makes Aalborg Taffel an archetype?

It is considered the clearest, most direct expression of a Danish caraway akvavit and serves as the reference point for many other akvavits in the range.

Should Aalborg Taffel be served ice cold?

Yes, it is traditionally drunk ice cold in a small snaps glass to highlight the clean, sharp caraway character.

Is there any sweetness in Aalborg Taffel?

There is a very discreet hint of orange in the finish, but otherwise it is built on pure caraway character without added sweetness.

Who was Isidor Henius?

He was a Polish-born distiller who founded what later became De Danske Spritfabrikker and is regarded as the founder of modern Danish spirit production.