Aquavit (or akevitt) is Norway’s national tipple. It’s a spirit (typically containing 40% alcohol) distilled from either grain or potatoes, and flavoured with a mix of herbs. The recipes vary, but caraway (karve) is typically the dominant flavour. There are many different brands to choose from, ranging in tastes from the mild summer aquavit, often served chilled, to the stronger, spicier Christmas version, designed to cut through the heavy festive food. The most famous ones are Løiten Linje Aquavit, Lysholm and Gilde from Norway, Aalborg from Denmark and O.P Andersson, the oldest aquavit in Sweden. An excellent local brand, however, is Moss 1883, produced in, you will have guessed… Moss. ‘Slightly smoky aroma, sweet and spicy taste, and a subtle hop aftertaste. A robust yet mellow aquavit, unusually combining mildness with clarity of taste. A nice balance.’ Moss 1883 aquavit is available in the bigger Vinmonopolet outlets, and on duty-free at Moss Rygge Airport.