OP Anderson will cost around US$40 per 1-litre bottle in the US

Altia has lined up the US release of its Swedish aquavit brand, OP Anderson.

The Finland-headquartered group, which has operations across the Nordic region as well as in the Baltics, said earlier today that OP Anderson will launch in the country at the start of next year. Importation will be handled by Frederick Wildman & Sons.

"There is a growing interest in aquavits in the (US) cocktail scene right now," said Janne Halttunen, senior VP in charge of exports at Altia. "Distribution will be built starting on the east coast with focus in the on-premise market."

Director of Wildman's speciality spirits division Tim Master added: "The trend throughout the US continues to move toward niche quality spirits, and bartenders and enthusiasts are embracing them wholeheartedly."

OP Anderson, which is seasoned with caraway, aniseed and fennel then matured in oak barrels for eight months, will retail in the US for around US$40 per 1-litre bottle.

Last year, Altia partnered with Swedish contract manufacturer Unimedic for the production of a raft of its aquavit brands in the country, including OP Anderson.

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