PR Farmhouse Aquavit Essence 20 ml

PR Farmhouse Aquavit Essence 20 ml

Some aquavits shout and some hold a conversation. Farmhouse belongs firmly to the second group – a schnapps in the mild, rounded style that for generations has had its rightful place on the big celebration table, somewhere between the dishes of pickled herring and the freshly boiled potatoes. Caraway takes the lead here, but it does so wearing velvet gloves: the spice is clear without ever turning angular.

What makes the style so well loved is the depth behind the spices. A warm note of toasted oak, a little malt and the sweetness of dried fruit give the schnapps a fullness that few spiced spirits can match. Farmhouse Aquavit gives you that character in a matter of minutes, and it is a perfect first aquavit for anyone who finds that caraway can be too much of a good thing.

Colour & Appearance

The finished aquavit is pale gold, like bleached straw or thin apple juice, with a clear, glossy surface. The colour hints at mellowness and roundness rather than sharp spice, and it looks lovely in a frosted schnapps glass.

Nose

The nose is soft and inviting. Caraway arrives first, warm and bready like a loaf straight from the oven, followed by the sweet, faintly liquorice note of fennel seed. Behind the spices there is toasted oak, a little vanilla and a fine maltiness that calls to mind a glass of gentle whisky. Right at the end comes a touch of raisin and dried apple.

Palate

The palate is round from the very first moment. The caraway spreads calmly across the tongue, backed by fennel and a suggestion of coriander. Mid-palate, the darker notes step forward – toasted oak, vanilla and a little fortified-wine sweetness, like dried fruit – and bind the spices into a soft, full whole. The malt whisky note is discreet but important: it brings a smoke-free, grainy warmth that makes the schnapps feel grown-up and carefully put together. Nothing sticks out, and nothing is missing.

Finish

The finish is medium-long, warm and smooth. Caraway and fennel fade slowly while oak and a light sweetness linger, like the last echo of a well-sung drinking song.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit and can be enjoyed straight away, though it gains from resting in the fridge for a day or so. 20 ml makes 750 ml of finished aquavit. Instructions are on the label.

Serving Suggestions

• Well chilled with pickled herring, soured cream, chives and new potatoes.
• With the ham, brawn and mustard herring of the Christmas table.
• At room temperature in a small glass with mature cheese and crispbread – that is when the oak notes come through.
• With cured salmon and a mustard and dill sauce.
• A splash in the herring pickle or in the cream sauce for meatballs.

About the Essence

Farmhouse Aquavit is part of the PR (Prestige) series and is one of the mildest aquavits in the range. It suits both the seasoned schnapps drinker looking for elegance and the guest who usually says no thank you to spiced spirits.

Thanks to its rounded profile it is a rewarding bottle to serve when the company is mixed and tastes differ. The essence is also available in 25 litres for those producing on a larger scale.