Almqvist Destilleri founder shares sustainable goals
As Almqvist Destilleri brings its aquavit and gin to the UK, founder Bex Almqvist gives us exclusive insights into her sustainability plans.
Launched in 2022, Swedish producer Almqvist Destilleri has partnered with Speciality Drinks to launch its two flagship products in the UK: Rejmyre Akvavit and Nordic Dry Gin. The distillery is located in the village of Rejmyre in Sweden within its historic glassworks building founded in 1810. For founder Almqvist, distilling sustainably was never out of the question; her sustainable endeavours include composting botanicals, using 97% fossil-free energy, and responsibly harvested grain. “I founded the distillery within the glassworks,” Almqvist explained. “It’s a 200-year-old glassworks, the only one in the world that is still producing handmade crystal glass to this day. We’re working together with energy consultants to be able to use that excess heat from the ovens in the glassworks to heat my stills in the distillery. It will most likely be the only distillery in the world run by the excess heat of a glassworks.” Almqvist said the transition to reusing that excess heat should be complete within a year, “hopefully within six months”. Respecting Swedish tradition The aim with Rejmyre Akvavit, Almqvist explained, is to bring a modern touch to the aquavit category while respecting Swedish tradition. Rejmyre Akvavit is made with caraway, fennel, fresh aniseed notes and sweet apple and elderflower, balanced with notes of citrus from the coriander seed. Almqvist is the founder, distiller and bottler all in one. Her aquavit recipe came from an unwavering goal: “I just wanted to make – and now I do make – delicious and well-balanced spirits. I want to be transparent in how I make them and with sustainability in mind as much as I can. I want to adhere to Swedish tradition but open up the category so that more people can get involved.” Almqvist stresses the importance that this is Swedish aquavit, not aquavit from Sweden. “I make Swedish aquavit and that is not the same as aquavit from Sweden,” she said. “Swedish aquavit is protected. You have rules to follow, which include that the base should be caraway and/or dill and fennel in the recipe. But it should be macerated and distilled in pot stills, and it needs to have a Swedish spirit as its base, so you can’t import that. I’m really happy to say I’m following these guidelines, leading with caraway and fennel, but doing a more modern flavour profile.” Bottled at 40% ABV, Rejmyre Akvavit is available exclusively via The Whisky Exchange in the UK for £32.95 per 500ml bottle. The distillery’s Nordic Dry Gin sits slightly higher at 41% ABV, and carries the same retail price as the aquavit. Almqvist has once again channelled her commitment to tradition into the London Dry-style gin, while adding a Swedish, modern influence. “I’m calling it Nordic Dry to be more clear that I’m incorporating Nordic flavours, balancing it out with lingonberries and fennel, for example, rather than using citrus. This comes from the coriander seeds as well, giving those citrus notes. It’s a juniper-forward, traditional, delicious gin to drink in dry Martinis or cocktails.” Education is key With gin experiencing a decline in the UK, a key driver behind the gin boom of recent years, how can producers ignite fresh excitement for the category? “I worked with education for a very long time,” Almqvist responded. Her career background included 10 years with Absolut Vodka. “I think with education comes with an enhanced experience, so that’s one part. “It’s part of a brand’s experience to help showcase how its products should be consumed, how they’re made, etc. Education is a really good way to make a better experience and educate both within the trade and for consumers.” Earlier this year, we looked into whether aquavit is about to go global.
