Aquavit has two signature botanicals— one is caraway. The other is dill. While dill is a common style of aquavit in some parts of the world, especially Denmark, Gamle Ode Dill Aquavit from 45th Parallel is among only a very small number of American produced dill aquavit.
It features locally grown dill as a botanical, along with caraway and juniper.
Tasting notes
Aroma: Bold fresh dill weed. Hints of dill seed, suggestion of cucumber and pickle brine, and a touch of lemon zest. Bold and clear.
Flavor: Early, the spice side comes through. Caraway and dill seed come on boldly. It begins to evolve on the palate. A touch of bitter orange zest and terpey, resinous juniper on the mid-palate. The finish becomes green and bright, with dill weed coming to full volume. Notes of marjoram, dill and a touch of tarragon.
Botanically, it might be simple. But the expression on the palate is anything but.
Finish: Crisp and dill led, with dill seed. Gentle warmth and dry profile, with notes of dill seed hanging on the back of the palate long after the sip.
Overall, Gamle Ode Dill Aquavit
Simply put, this is a beautiful celebration of dill as a botanical. The juniper and caraway add some color and complexity but this is all about the dill.
Fans of herbal spirits and dill aquavit may not find a better example— American made or otherwise.
Highly recommended in its category.