Hanseatic Aquavit is produced through a slow and careful distillation process, resulting in a notably smooth and rounded character. Its recipe is based on traditional Nordic spices such as caraway, fennel seeds, and star anise. Several additional botanicals remain undisclosed, giving the spirit a layered and complex aromatic profile.
Distillation at very low temperatures contributes to the delicate and refined taste of Hanseatic Aquavit. It is typically enjoyed at room temperature, but it also works well in mixology, where it can serve as a distinctive and aromatic alternative to gin in various cocktails.
Bottle gallery
About the producer
Hamburg-Zanzibar
Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg-Zanzibar is a small independent distillery located in northern Hamburg. The project began in 2017, when its founders started experimenting with distillation at home. In 2020, production moved into a converted barn in the Alstertal area, which now serves as the site for maceration, distillation and bottling. All spirits are made in small batches.
The name Hamburg-Zanzibar reflects the brand’s concept: a connection between its Hamburg origin and the use of spices associated with Zanzibar. This approach influences the selection of botanicals, primarily in their gin, but also in the aquavit range.
The distillery produces gin, vodka, aquavit and several experimental micro-batch spirits. The aquavit line includes two main expressions. Hanseatic Aquavit is based on a traditional combination of caraway, anise and fennel. Aged Aquavit undergoes maturation with oak, which adds a distinct wood character and a denser aromatic profile.
Both aquavits received awards at the World Drinks Awards in 2022: Hanseatic Aquavit was awarded gold, and Aged Aquavit received silver. At that time, Hamburg-Zanzibar was the only German producer of aquavit to be recognized at this competition.
Production remains entirely craft-based. Batch sizes are small, and all stages -from maceration to filtration – are managed manually. There is no automated line, and the focus is on consistency of recipes rather than volume.
Hamburg-Zanzibar illustrates how a modern small-scale German distillery can work with the aquavit category outside its traditional regions, maintaining classic foundations while applying its own approach to distillation and maturation.
