06/02/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday, 6 February, the European Commission announced that it has approved the addition of two new geographical indications from Norway to the register of protected geographical indications (PGI). ‘Norsk Vodka’ (‘Norwegian Vodka’) is made from potatoes or grain in three stages—brewing, distilling, and post-distillation processing—which must take place in Norway. This production process took place in Bergen (1531). ‘Norsk Akevitt’/‘Norsk Aquavit’/‘Norsk Akvavit’/‘Norwegian Aquavit’ is a spirit produced from potatoes, distilled with herbs and spices, and matured in wooden casks. This alcohol has an aroma of caraway/dill and notes of other herbs and spices. The systematic cask maturation process distinguishes Norwegian Aquavit from other varieties and has earned it an international reputation for quality. (LC)