Aquavit is a spirit with deep roots in Scandinavian culture. Traditionally caraway-forward and reserved for ceremonial sips, it has remained mostly under the radar in American bars and restaurants. At Batch 22, we saw an opportunity not just to revive aquavit in the United States, but to reimagine how it is made, how it tastes, and how it is enjoyed.
This article explores the distillation process behind Batch 22. We’ll explain how aquavit is traditionally produced, walk through our distilling methods, and show why our aquavit distillery is helping lead a new chapter in American craft spirits.
The Roots of Aquavit and Its Traditional Production
Aquavit originates from Northern Europe, specifically in countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. The name comes from the Latin phrase “aqua vitae,” meaning “water of life.” Historically, aquavit was infused with herbs and spices for medicinal purposes, eventually becoming a cultural staple for holidays and celebrations.
Traditionally, aquavit is distilled from a neutral spirit made from grain or potatoes. The defining ingredient is caraway, although other botanicals such as dill, fennel, coriander, and citrus peel are often added. Some styles, particularly those from Norway, are aged in oak casks. In contrast, others are bottled unaged to preserve a sharper botanical character.
European aquavit distilleries often maintain strict adherence to historical recipes, prioritizing intensity, tradition, and regional specificity. While this yields a product rich in history, it also makes the spirit somewhat niche for modern drinkers. That is where Batch 22 enters the story.
Our Philosophy: Aquavit Reimagined
At Batch 22, we set out to create a spirit that retains the complexity of traditional aquavit while expanding its appeal. Our goal was to design a citrus-forward, well-balanced aquavit that could be sipped neat or used confidently in modern cocktails.
Instead of focusing solely on tradition, we focused on versatility. We designed our flavor profile with intention, dialing back the caraway and enhancing the citrus elements to create a more accessible, refreshing spirit. But this required more than a flavor tweak—it meant rethinking the distillation process from the ground up.
Ingredients: The Foundation of Great Aquavit
Like all spirits, aquavit starts with a base alcohol. We use a high-quality, neutral grain spirit that is clean and free of flavor interference. This provides a blank canvas for our botanicals to shine.
The required botanical in any aquavit is either caraway or dill. In our case, we use caraway, but not in overpowering quantities. It acts as the backbone of our profile without dominating the experience. Supporting botanicals include:
- Citrus peel for brightness
- Fennel for subtle sweetness
- Star anise for depth
- Coriander for warmth
- Additional herbs and spices that bring balance and dimension
We do not publish our exact recipe, but every ingredient is carefully selected, and each plays a distinct role in the final flavor profile.
The Batch 22 Distillation Process
Distilling aquavit is both a technical and creative process. Every decision we make—down to the timing of infusions and the proof at bottling—affects the final character of Batch 22. Below is a high-level overview of how we distill our aquavit.
Selecting the Base Spirit
We begin with a neutral grain spirit. Purity is essential at this stage, as it allows the botanicals to take center stage. The spirit is sourced from trusted partners and undergoes a final filtration to ensure clarity.
Preparing the Botanicals
Each botanical is inspected, weighed, and prepared for infusion. Some ingredients are used fresh to capture their full aromatic range, while others are dried to intensify flavor concentration. We handle each with care to preserve the integrity of the oils and compounds that contribute to taste and aroma.
Maceration
The botanicals are combined with the base spirit in a stainless steel tank or glass vessel. This process, known as maceration, typically lasts from several hours to a few days, depending on the ingredient. We monitor temperature and time to ensure the optimal extraction of essential oils without oversteeping.
Distillation
Once maceration is complete, the infused spirit is distilled using a copper or hybrid still. This is where art meets science. We control temperature precisely to capture only the “hearts” of the distillation run—the cleanest and most flavorful portion.
Copper plays a critical role in removing unwanted sulfur compounds and enhancing the purity of the final product. Our distillers rely on experience, taste, and careful monitoring to separate the heads, tails, and hearts of the distillate. Only the best makes it into the bottle.
Resting and Proofing
After distillation, the spirit is rested to allow the flavors to integrate. We do not age Batch 22 in oak barrels because our focus is on preserving the fresh, vibrant quality of the botanicals. Instead, the spirit rests in stainless steel to stabilize and soften before final proofing.
The proofing stage involves adjusting the alcohol content to the desired level by slowly adding filtered water. This step also influences mouthfeel and flavor release, which is why we approach it with care.
Bottling
Each bottle of Batch 22 is filled, capped, and labeled by hand. Our small-batch approach enables us to maintain quality control at every step and ensure consistency across all production runs. From start to finish, every decision is made in service of flavor, balance, and integrity.
Inside the Batch 22 Aquavit Distillery
Our distillery is designed to bring together tradition, experimentation, and precision. While we do not follow European methods verbatim, we do draw inspiration from centuries-old practices. What sets us apart is how we merge those practices with a modern American sensibility.
We believe in transparency, curiosity, and continuous improvement. Every batch teaches us something new. Our team constantly evaluates variables—from botanical sourcing to temperature control—so we can evolve without compromising quality.
We are also committed to sustainability wherever possible, minimizing waste, repurposing spent botanicals, and selecting packaging options that align with our values.
The Future of Aquavit Distilling in the U.S.
Aquavit remains an emerging category in the American spirits landscape, with growing interest. As more consumers look beyond traditional vodka and gin, aquavit offers a unique flavor experience that resonates with adventurous palates.
Batch 22 is proud to be part of this movement. Our aquavit distillery is more than a production facility—it’s a creative laboratory where we explore what this spirit can become. We believe that distilling aquavit in the U.S. opens new doors for collaboration, cocktail development, and consumer education.
Batch 22 New American Aquavit: Why Our Distillation Method Matters
Flavor begins at the source. When you distill with intention, the result is not just a better spirit—it is a better experience. At Batch 22, we distill aquavit that is versatile, bright, and easy to enjoy. It is not limited to tradition, but it honors it. It is made for cocktails, yet sophisticated enough to sip neat.
This is aquavit, redefined. This is Batch 22.
Ready to try it for yourself? Visit batch22.com to place your order online or locate a store near you.
