- published: 06 Aug 2008
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Brennivín (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈprɛnːɪvin]) is a brand of schnapps that is considered to be Iceland's signature liquor. It is made from fermented potato mash and is flavoured with caraway seeds. It is sometimes called svarti dauði ("Black Death").
Despite its status as the national beverage and despite its being the traditional drink for the mid-winter feast of Þorrablót, many Icelanders do not regularly drink Brennivín. It has a strong taste, a high alcohol content (37.5% ABV), and a dubious reputation. It is often associated with alcoholism.
Brennivín is similar to Scandinavian akvavit. The steeping of herbs in alcohol to create Schnapps is a long-held folk tradition in all Scandinavian countries. Brennivín is featured in the Halldor Laxness novel Iceland's Bell.
The word "brennivín" translates literally into English as "burning wine" and comes from the same root as brandy, namely brandewijn which has its roots in the Dutch language (also compare German Branntwein).
At times it is drunk after eating hákarl, which consists of putrefied shark flesh, to mask the taste of the fish.