In the first half of the 19th century there were a number of distilleries sited on the east side of Mjøsa. The best known
was Bye at Løten, which later became Løiten Brænderi. Løiten’s products grew in popularity and production increased year
by year.
It became evident that transporting bottles and equipment from Christiania to Løten and finished goods in return was impractical
and expensive. Accordingly, Løiten Brænderi's Destillation was established in Christiania in 1871. Initially, operations
took place on leased premises, and then in 1874 it relocated its production plant to Karl XIIs gate. At these premises crude
alcohol from the still underwent rectification. Other activities comprised production, storing, bottling, and sale of Løiten’s
aquavit, bitters, punch and liqueurs.
Løiten Brænderi’s Destillation was the last of the distilleries to be bought out by the State Wine Monopoly. The acquisition eventually took place in 1927, after vigorous resistance from the Board and owners of Løiten.