Aqua vitae is a medieval European spirit made by distilling wine, beer, or other fermented products. It typically has a high alcohol content and originated in medieval Europe.
History
The term aqua vitae was introduced by Spanish physician and alchemist Arnold of Villanova around 1240-1311, who used it as a medicinal remedy. Other sources suggest the name was given by monks who learned distillation techniques from Arabs during the Crusades. In the 14th-15th centuries, aqua vitae became commercially available in Italy and used for making vodkas and liqueurs.
How it is made
Medieval monastic orders produced aqua vitae through maceration, which involved cold steeping plant materials in the distillate. The process was later adapted to create various spirits aquavit, okovita, eau-de-vie, and whiskey, which differ in raw materials, ingredients, and production methods.
Types and styles
Modern revivals of aqua vitae have led to proposals for a new category of 'botanical spirits' based on distillates made through maceration without added sugar. These products aim to recreate the historical methods while creating a distinct category in the alcoholic beverages market.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Aqua vitae, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.