The Art of Great Aquavit

Aquavit has deep roots in Trøndelag, with traditions stretching back several centuries. Svein Berfjord from Inderøy Brenneri and Ulrik Bjerkeli from ØX Brewery & Distillery place a strong emphasis on using local ingredients in their production, continuing the proud and historic legacy of aquavit-making in Trondheim.

In this session, they’ll share insights into their production methods, the craftsmanship behind their spirits, and the unique stories behind each bottle. What does it take to craft an award-winning Trøndersk aquavit? You’ll learn how they work – and, of course, get to taste the results. Participants will enjoy a tasting of four exciting aquavits – all inspired by and rooted in Trøndelag. Join us for a unique experience at the Trøndersk Food Festival! About the presenters: Svein Berfjord, also known as the Aquavit Farmer, is a distiller at Inderøy Brenneri and Berg Gård, which he runs with his wife Kirsti on Inderøy in Trøndelag. He bottled his first aquavit in 2016 and has since received numerous awards for his creations. Ulrik Bjerkeli is the head distiller at ØX and has been instrumental in building both their brewery and distillery. Their aquavits rank among the best in Norway – proven by a second-place win in "Norway’s Best Beverage 2025" for their aquavit Norwegian Aquavit Aged in Sherry Casks 2024.