Esbjærg
The vodka with the Scandinavian name that is made right in Leeuwarden. Everything about the alcohol content, wheat base, cocktails, and the right glass to serve it in.
A Danish name, a Frisian distillery
The name sounds Scandinavian, but Esbjærg comes from Leeuwarden: the vodka is made by Boomsma, the Frisian distillery that also markets Glen Talloch. It is a grain vodka, made from wheat alcohol filtered through activated charcoal. This filtration removes the last traces of harshness, resulting in a remarkably smooth vodka.
In the world of vodka, these details matter more than you might think. Vodka is neutral by definition, so the difference lies in the raw ingredient and the filtration. Wheat gives a smooth, slightly sweet base; rye is spicier, while potato is fuller and creamier. Esbjærg opts for the smooth side, putting it in the category of vodkas mainly used as a base for cocktails.
In brief
What types of Esbjærg are there?
The range is straightforward: one vodka in three sizes, plus a copper-distilled version.
Esbjærg Vodka
The standard bottle: wheat vodka, filtered through activated charcoal. Smooth and neutral, making it a great base for any vodka cocktail.
Esbjærg Copper
The copper version from the distillery. Copper binds sulfur compounds during distillation, making the vodka a little smoother.
Esbjærg Vodka 1 liter
The liter bottle. Better value per glass if you make cocktails regularly or are hosting a party.
Esbjærg Vodka 50 cl
The smaller bottle, handy if you only use vodka occasionally or want to keep it in the freezer.
The regular bottle for cocktails; the Copper if you want to drink it neat.
Neutral, smooth, and without harshness
Virtually neutral
Almost no aroma, at most a light grain note. That’s how it should be: a vodka with a strong aroma is usually not well filtered.
Smooth and rounded
Smooth and slightly sweet from the wheat, without the burn that cheap vodka can have. The charcoal filtration is clearly noticeable.
Short and clean
A short, clean finish with a slightly peppery edge. Just enough character to drink neat, neutral enough to disappear into any cocktail.
Esbjærg Vodka flavor profile. A neutral grain vodka should score low on everything except strength; that’s the point of the category.
Three ways to drink Esbjærg
Vodka is the most versatile bottle in the cabinet: it adds alcohol and body without overpowering everything else.
Ice-cold from the freezer
Put the bottle in the freezer for a few hours and pour 3 cl into a chilled glass. The cold makes the vodka syrupy and takes away the last of its sharpness. In Scandinavia and Poland, it’s served with something salty: herring, pickles, or smoked fish.
Glass: shot glass →As an Espresso Martini
Shake 50 ml vodka, 30 ml fresh espresso, 20 ml coffee liqueur, and half a bar spoon of simple syrup very hard with ice, then strain into a chilled glass. Shaking hard creates the foam; fresh espresso cannot be replaced with cold coffee.
Espresso Martini recipe →With tonic or sparkling water
4 cl vodka with 150 ml tonic or sparkling water over plenty of ice in a highball glass, with a lime wedge. The simplest way to tell how smooth or sharp a vodka really is.
Glass: highball glass →The best cocktails with Esbjærg
Espresso Martini
Vodka, fresh espresso, and coffee liqueur, shaken hard for a foamy top.
Cosmopolitan
Vodka, triple sec, lime, and cranberry. Refreshing, pink, and ready in five minutes.
Moscow Mule
Vodka with ginger beer and lime in a copper mug. Refreshing and spicy.
Bloody Mary
Vodka with tomato juice, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco. The brunch classic.The right glass for vodka
A small glass for drinking neat, ice-cold; a martini glass for shaken cocktails; and a highball glass for a simple mixed drink. These are the glasses we recommend.
Everything else you wanted to know about Esbjærg
Can't find your question here? Browse our cocktail recipes or get in touch.
To the cocktail recipes →What is the alcohol content of Esbjærg?
Where does Esbjærg come from?
What is Esbjærg made from?
Why is vodka filtered through charcoal?
How should you store vodka?
How is Copper different from regular Esbjærg?
Buy Esbjærg
Want the bottle at home right away? Order Esbjærg online at Gall & Gall.
Prices as of November 3, 2026, as provided by Gall & Gall. You can check the current price and availability at Gall & Gall. Glazen.nl receives a small commission if you buy something through these links; it won't cost you anything extra. No 18, no alcohol.
