Caraway schnapps nicknamed black death, produced by the state alcohol monopoly since 1935 at the end of Iceland’s prohibition years. The nickname came from the plain black label the monopoly used to make it look unappealing.
It is a state monopoly product built on distillation, which is illegal without a licence.
What goes into it
- fermented grain or potato mash
- caraway seed
- water
How it is made
A neutral spirit is distilled from grain or potato, then flavoured with caraway and diluted with Icelandic water to bottling strength. It is not aged and nothing is added but caraway, which is why it is clear and dry.
How long it takes: distilled and bottled; no ageing
How it is eaten
Ice cold in a shot glass, as a chaser to hákarl at Þorrablót.
History
Caraway schnapps nicknamed black death; it has been produced by the state alcohol monopoly since 1935, at the end of Iceland’s prohibition years.
Frequently asked questions
What is Brennivín?
Brennivín is a wine & spirit from Iceland: caraway schnapps nicknamed ‘Black Death’. Caraway schnapps nicknamed black death; it has been produced by the state alcohol monopoly since 1935, at the end of Iceland’s prohibition years.
How is Brennivín made?
A neutral spirit is distilled from grain or potato, then flavoured with caraway and diluted with Icelandic water to bottling strength. It is not aged and nothing is added but caraway, which is why it is clear and dry. It takes distilled and bottled; no ageing.
Can I make Brennivín at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is a state monopoly product built on distillation, which is illegal without a licence.
What goes into Brennivín?
Fermented grain or potato mash, caraway seed, water.
How is Brennivín eaten?
Ice cold in a shot glass, as a chaser to hákarl at Þorrablót.
