Old Latin name (water of life) for brandy; see under Aquavit.
The name of this spirit, which is particularly popular in Scandinavian countries, is derived from aqua vitae (Latin for water of life). In the Middle Ages, aquavit was still made from wine, later from potatoes and only since the end of the 17th century from grain. At that time, aromatic substances such as juniper berries, malt, honey, dill weed and caraway were used for flavouring. Gradually, however, caraway...
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Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)