What is vodka?

Vodka is made from grain, root crops, fruit or molasses. For a spirit to qualify as vodka it must first have been distilled to the point where it reaches an alcoholic percentage of 95% before it is diluted to a minimum of 37.5% alcohol. 

Skåne has a long tradition of  producing great-tasting drinks thanks to its rich soil and traditions of growing barley and potatoes – the main ingredients in making prime spirits. Today, Skåne is home to great vodka, whisky and gin distilleries and has given its name to Skåne Akvavit, one of the most popular snaps brands in Sweden.

Here is a list of the most famous distilleries in the region that offer tastings and guided tours you shouldn’t miss.

Absolut Vodka

Absolut Vodka
Absolut Vodka
Absolut Vodka

Absolut Vodka

Absolut Vodka produced in Åhus, eastern Skåne, is one of the world’s best-known vodka brands thanks to its consistent, creative marketing and high quality. It’s the third best-selling spirit brand in the world and their iconic bottle has been interpreted by famous artists such as Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Try the Absolut home experience that takes you behind the scenes to show you how their vodka is made, experience flavour tasting, and even “shake your own” at one of the cocktail making classes.  

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Spirit of Hven Backafallsbyn

backfallsbyn © Birger Lallo

Spirit of Hven Backafallsbyn

Spirit of Hven is a distillery, hotel, gourmet restaurant and pub on the island of Ven in the strait of Öresund. The place is a whisky-lover’s dream, serving over 500 different types and is considered one of the best in Sweden. The whisky produced on site has won several awards. Book tastings and tours in advance, and enjoy the gin, vodka, aquavit and whisky of the house at the restaurant in Backafallsbyn.

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Purity Vodka

© purity vodka

Purity Vodka

Purity Vodka is the world’s most awarded ultra-premium vodka. Manufactured in a small-scale distillery next to Ellinge Castle in Skåne, Purity Vodka is full-bodied, complex yet smooth and sophisticated. It’s organically made from local wheat and barley. A guided tour of the distillery takes around 45 minutes, and you can choose a combined tasting and castle tour.

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Skånska Spritfabriken

Skånska Spritfabriken

Skånska Spritfabriken is a family-owned company with a distillery just outside Lund in Skåne. Their G Gin was voted the world’s best gin to gin and tonic in 2017. Buy their spirits at Systembolaget or at several shops in Denmark. Or why not order a 30-litre barrel of gin or malt whisky to make sure you don’t run out? Visit the distillery and either take the “gin test” or try a tasting of the different spirits they produce.

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Skåne Akvavit

Snaps is a family of alcoholic drinks including distilled fruit brandies, herbal liqueurs and neutral grain spirits flavoured with spices. The word comes from the German Schnaps, meaning swallow, which says something about how to consume this drink. You’ll be offered snaps in small glasses at most festivals, particularly Midsummer, Christmas and Easter. Drink it in one go and enjoy the songs.

One of the most popular brands is Skåne Akvavit. Served chilled, this is a perfect match for herring, salmon and cheeses, foods that are a traditional part of Swedish celebrations. It goes well with crayfish that is eaten every August in Sweden. 

 

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