Akvavit

A bottle of "O.P. Anderson", a Swedish akvavit.

Akvavit or aquavit (/ˈɑːkwəviːt, -və-/) is a distilled spirit that is principally produced in Scandinavia, where it has been produced since the 15th century.[1] Akvavit is distilled from grain or potatoes and is flavoured with a variety of spices and herbs. It is also popular in Northern Germany.[2]

Akvavit gets its distinctive flavour from spices and herbs, and the dominant flavour must (according to the European Union) come from a distillate of caraway and/or dill seed. It typically contains 40% alcohol by volume, or 80 proof (U.S.). The EU has established a minimum of 37.5% ABV for akvavit to be named as such.[3]

  1. ^ Lichine, Alexis. Alexis Lichine’s New Encyclopedia of Wines & Spirits (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1987), pp. 80–81. ISBN 0394562623.
  2. ^ Marsteller, Amanda. "10 Fascinating Things You Didn't Know About Aquavit". Food & Wine. Archived from the original on 10 September 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  3. ^ EU spirits regulation (PDF); Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89, Appendix II No. 24. Retrieved 2014-02-09.