To celebrate the rich history of Danish hospitality and everyday life, TANDEM launches a new cocktail menu inspired by Aquavit. Renowned across Scandinavia as “the water of life”, Aquavit remains one of Europe’s most sought-after heirloom spirits.
After a brilliantly received launch in 2018, TANDEM is once again transporting people to the streets of Copenhagen with a new cocktail menu from February 2019, comprising seven signature Aquavit cocktails.
“Aquavit has a rich history in Scandinavia”, says Peter Lynn, Founder of TANDEM. “Its slightly savoury notes are so evocative of Danish hospitality and cuisine. Every home in Scandinavia would have bottles of Aquavit in the pantry – after all, that’s why it means ‘water of life’.”
With a distinctive aroma and unmistakable flavour of herbs and spices, Aquavit provides a refined base for cocktails with superior balance. TANDEM’s new menu embraces the authenticity of Aquavit’s gin-like qualities.
“For TANDEM”, says Lynn, “everything we do draws inspiration from Scandinavia. It was a natural progression that Aquavit – surely the most famous spirit in Scandinavian history – would assume a prominent position in our cocktail repertoire. We’re excited to launch this new menu for Sydneysiders.”
Heavily featured in TANDEM’S menu are the LINIE range of Aquavits out of Norway. The original botanical recipe of LINIE Aquavit has remained unchanged since its creation, more than 200 years ago. LINIE is a potato-based spirit, distilled in pot stills with a special blend of Nordic herbs, including caraway, dill seed, star anise and orange peel that give its distinctive flavour.
Since it’s inception, every drop of LINIE Aquavit has been sailed on a 4-month journey around the world to mature in oak, ex sherry, port or madeira casks, during which it crosses the equator twice (linie is Norwegian for line or equator), before ageing on land for a further 12 months. The casks are placed on deck, where the rolling of the waves, changing temperatures and humidity provide Linie Aquavit with its unparalleled smooth taste. On the palate LINIE features notes, of aniseed, caraway, vanilla and orange combined with a subtle oaky finish.
Some fun facts about LINIE Aquavit:
- Norwegian law requires all Aquavit be distilled from a potato spirit base with caraway and/or dill, no external flavourings and a minimum of 6-12 months ageing in oak (Danish and Swedish Aquavit is a clear spirit)
- Like many discoveries in alcohol, the benefits of ageing Aquavit at sea was discovered by chance! The story of LINIE began in 1805, when a batch of Aquavit casks were sent to the East Indies to sell but as there was no interest in the spirit it returned to Norway in 1807 where it was discovered the flavour had improved for the better!
- The Norwegian shipping line, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, has dedicated LINIE containers on the decks of its cargo ships. There are over a 1000 casks of LINIE maturing at sea on any given day.
Luxe Wine + Spirits are the official Australian importers of LINIE Aquavit. Sherry, Port and Madeira Cask expressions are available now. Call 1300 526 881 or email linie@luxewinespirits.com.au for more info, pricing and orders.
Tandem launches the new aquavit menu on Tuesday, February 19 from 6pm at 127 King Street, Newtown. Drop in and try one of their delicious drinks and Linie Aquavit!
Frozen Fjord
- 30 Linie Sherry
- 10 Del Maguey Vida
- 5 Luxardo
- 10 Campari
- 30 Fresh Grapefruit
- 5ml Sugar Syrup
- Dash Peychauds
Shake with ice and strain into coupe. Garnish with a grapefruit peel and discard.