The earliest Aqua Vitae was made at Lindores as long ago as 1494, and we’ve authentically recreated that recipe and reimagined it as an inquisitively versatile spirit. See our RECIPES HERE
Today, our Aqua Vitae is distilled in pot stills and then infused with a blend of spices and herbs, including cleavers, and sweet cicely, which grow in our gardens, amidst the grounds of the ancient Abbey. It is entirely natural, with no added sugars.
We had lots of customer asking if we could make smaller bottles of Aqua Vitae, and so you can now buy this Aqua Vitae in 70cl, 20cl (which can be personalised) and 5cl miniature bottles which will allow you to try our Lindores spirit before you purchase a bottle. Just select which size you want from the drop down menu.
HOW TO DRINK AQUA VITAE
Tasting Notes: Initial light top notes of peach and pear, give way to hints of ginger, clove and cinnamon spice. Rich, caramel sweetness and some lovely light herbal notes on the finish. Complex and rewarding.
We recommend drinking Aqua Vitae in a Highball glass filled with ice, pour over 50ml of Aqua Vitae topped with Ginger Ale, and garnish with a twist of Orange.
We have discovered that Aqua Vitae is an incredibly versatile drink that can be used to make the most amazing summer and winter recipes, so grab some ice, a few ingredients and release your inner mixologist!
OLD RECIPE FOR AQUA VITAE
The earliest ‘aqua vitae’ that was made at Lindores Abbey as long ago as 1494. Thought to have helped to ‘sloeth age’ and ‘abandoneth melancholy’, it was a powerful tonic that was drunk by kings and commoners alike.
It was Aqua Vitae that Brother John Cor and the monks were making for King James IV in 1494 here at Lindores Abbey. It would have been a powerful clear spirit, made using water from the ‘Holy Burn’ and barley from the surrounding fields. The strong spirit would have been infused with plants and herbs that grew wild in the grounds of the Abbey, as well as other plants especially cultivated by the monks. More exotic herbs and spices brought back from Flanders, where the monks, or their agents, traded salmon and wool with the merchants of Europe, would also have been used. The original Aqua Vitae would have been a fiery spirit, used as much as a medicine or tincture, as a libation.
