Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE TROUBLE WITH ALCOHOL
Norway must be one of few countries in the world where the population actually votedfor
prohibition (in a 1919 referendum)! The ban on alcohol remained in force until 1927, by
which time half the Norwegian population was involved either in smuggling or illegally dis-
tilling home brew, including, no doubt, many who had voted in favour of the ban. Under
the state monopoly system, state alcohol outlets called Vinmonopolet (or just 'pole' to its
friends) remain the only place, outside of bars and restaurants, where wine and spirits
may be purchased.
And the old prohibitionist streak still runs deep in some corners of the country. Alcohol
sales are strictly controlled and a few towns have even implemented virtual prohibition. In
some places, drinking beer in public incurs a hefty fine and/or prison time, although
we're yet to hear of any tourist doing time for enjoying a quiet pint.
Norway's official attitude towards alcohol borders on paranoia, especially as alcohol
consumption by Norwegians is among the lowest in Europe, although whether this is be-
cause of the strict laws or in spite of them it's difficult to tell. Yes, Norwegian alcohol con-
sumption has increased from 3.4L per person per week in 1960 to 6.2L in recent years,
but these figures are still barely more than half the consumption levels in Germany or the
UK.
Aquavit
The national spirit, aquavit (or akevitt ) is a potent dose of Norwegian culture made from
potatoes and caraway liquor. The name is derived from the Latin aqua vitae, the 'living
waters'. Although caraway is an essential ingredient, various modern distilleries augment
the spicy flavour with any combination of orange, coriander (cilantro), anise, fennel, sugar
and salt. The confection is aged for three to five years in 500L oak barrels that have previ-
ously been used to age sherry.
Perhaps the most esteemed version of this libation is linje aquavit, or 'line aquavit',
which first referred to stores that had crossed the equator. In the early days, ships carried
oak barrels of aquavit abroad to trade, but the unsold barrels were returned to Norway and
offered for sale. When it was discovered that the product had improved with age and
travel, these leftovers became highly prized commodities. Today, bottles of linje aquavit
bear the name of the ship involved, its route and the amount of time the barrels have aged
at sea.
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