🥃 Aquavit

Aquavit (also akvavit) is a spirit drink flavoured with caraway seed, dill seed or both. In the EU it is category 24 of Regulation (EU) 2019/787: it is made from agricultural ethyl alcohol flavoured with a distillate of plants or spices, and the minimum strength is 37.5% vol.

The taste must come predominantly from distillates of caraway (Carum carvi) or dill (Anethum graveolens). Natural flavouring substances and preparations may be added as well, but essential oils are banned. Bitter substances must not noticeably dominate, and the dry extract is no more than 1.5 g per 100 ml.

This is how aquavit differs from caraway-flavoured spirit drink, or kümmel (category 23): there a predominant caraway taste and a strength from 30% vol. are enough, and flavourings may be added more freely. The UK version of the EU rules describes aquavit with the same requirements.

The EU register has two national geographical indications: "Svensk Aquavit" (Sweden, since 1994) and "Norsk Akevitt" (Norway, since 2020). Norwegian aquavit is made from potato spirit, at least 95% of it Norwegian, and must be aged in wooden casks: from 6 months in casks under 1000 l or from 12 months in larger ones.

Why it matters to you. The mark "akvavit" or "aquavit" guarantees a flavour from caraway or dill distillate, not from added oils. Under the general EU category ageing is not required, so aquavit can be clear or amber. Strength is from 37.5% vol. WHO: there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.