New Norwegian aquavit ‘perfect’ for cocktails

An aquavit expression designed specifically to be “perfect” for mixing with cocktails has launched in Norway – Lysholm N^o52.

Lysholm No52 is a Norwegian aquavit designed specifically to mix “perfectly” in cocktails

Aquavit is traditionally served neat as an accompaniment to food, however master blender Ivan Abrahamsen and his team at Arcus have developed the new variant to tap into the growing cocktail trend.

“This actually turns out to be the greatest innovation within Norwegian aquavit in recent time,” said Abrahamsen.

“[I hope] the new product eventually will become a permanent resident in bars and homes around the world.”

Lysholm N^o52 is made using 11 different botanicals, including Norwegian caraway, star anise, coriander, bitter orange peels and ginger.

It is described as offering tastes of “fresh spiciness” and citrus making it “perfect when mixing cocktails”.

“Compared to the Norwegian cask matured aquavits, N^o52 does not have the round, sweet oak flavours and vanilla notes you get through cask ageing,” added Abrahamsen.

The name Lysholm N^o52 is a nod to the number of experimental recipe attempts the team trialled before deciding upon using the 52^nd recipe.

Bottled at 40% abv, Lysholm N^o52 is available in Norway for NOK 349 (£27/ €36) per 700ml bottle and will be launching in other markets soon.