Vinland Aquavit
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- ABV
- 40%
- Base spirit
- Unknown
- Color
- Clear
- Style
- Unaged Aquavit
Vinland Aquavit is a Canadian aquavit produced by Confluence Distilling in Calgary, Alberta. The name refers to Vinland, the name used in the Norse sagas for a land reached by the Vikings, which the producer associates with Canada. The spirit was first publicly announced by Confluence Distilling on April 4, 2019, with a public release event scheduled for April 19, 2019, at the distillery in Calgary.
The aquavit is a clear spirit bottled at 40% ABV and is available in 750 ml and 375 ml bottles. It is made with more than 20 spices and herbs, including locally grown caraway and dill. The producer also identifies caraway, dill and fennel as the defining botanicals of aquavit, while the full botanical recipe is not disclosed.
Confluence describes Vinland as having sweet liquorice notes with a complex herbaceous and savoury character. The aquavit is intended to be suitable both for drinking straight and for use in cocktails, where the producer suggests it as an alternative to vodka or gin.
Vinland Aquavit received Gold medals with Distinction and Excellence in Terroir at competitions in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and was named Best Aquavit in Canada in each of those three years.
About the producer
Confluence Distilling
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Confluence Distilling is an independent craft distillery based in Calgary, Alberta. The company was founded by Ross Alger and Pheelan Mah and opened its commercial distillery in 2018. Confluence was the second independent distillery to open in Calgary, while Pheelan Mah became the city’s first female distillery owner and distiller.
The name Confluence refers to the meeting of the Bow and Elbow rivers in Calgary. The company uses this idea of two rivers coming together as part of its identity, connecting its spirits with the city and its surroundings.
Ross Alger had been experimenting with distillation before the company was established. According to Confluence, he built his first still at the age of 18 to make homemade vodka. More than a decade later, he and Pheelan Mah turned this interest into a commercial distillery.
Confluence Distilling produces a range of spirits, including Vinland Aquavit, gin, vodka, amaro, vermouth and apple brandy. Its products combine traditional and international spirit styles with ingredients and flavours associated with Alberta.
Vinland Aquavit is one of the distillery’s signature spirits. It uses more than 20 spices and herbs, including locally grown caraway and dill, and represents Confluence’s approach of combining a traditional spirit style with local ingredients.