Drink like a Scandinavian During Aquavit Week

Tonight, bartender Jacob Grier kicks off his third annual Aquavit Week, spreading his carraway-scented gospel to bars all over town. Grier says the Scandinavian spirit is one of the most underrated liquors, but it's gaining ground. There are now 20 aquavits available in the U.S., including two from local distillers: House Spirits' Krogstad and Bull Run's new release of Regnig Dag, aged in pinot noir and pinot gris barrels.

You can taste these local entrants into the Aquavit arena, plus many more, tonight at the kick-off party at The Hop and Vine, starting at 6 p.m. There will also be Aquavit-friendly beers on tap, including The Commons' Pumpernickel Rye Saison.

This year, everyone wants in on the action. There's a long list of bars and restaurants around town offering special Aquavit Week cocktails, including The Bent Brick, Expatriate, Fireside, Kachka, Ox, Park Kitchen, and Rum Club.

Other special events include:

Dec. 4th: Aquavit Pairing Dinner at Racion. Chef Anthony Cafiero, bar manager Justin Siemer, and Aquavit Week founder Jacob Grier are putting together a special dinner pairing aquavit cocktails with modernist cuisine. The five-course dinner is $100 per person and starts at 7 p.m. 971.276.8008.

Dec. 6th: Nordic Night at Fenrir. Dine on the restaurant's Scandinavian-inspired fare while tasting a selection of aquavits, as well as aquavit-based cocktails. The event begins at 6 pm.