Kieler Sprotte Aquavit is a 41% vol aquavit produced and bottled by Spirituosen-Manufaktur Bartels-Langness in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein. It is made in northern Germany and carries the regional quality mark “Geprüfte Qualität Schleswig-Holstei”. The recipe uses a very pure grain spirit together with distilled caraway and dill seeds, combined with water sourced in Kiel, resulting in a smooth flavour profile despite the relatively high strength.

A defining element of this aquavit is the transport tradition linked to its release. Before being sold, each bottle is carried across the Kiel Fjord on a replica of a medieval Hanseatic cog, recalling the historical route used by the fisherwomen of Ellerbek when delivering smoked sprats. Since 2017, this journey has continued further to Eckernförde for the annual Sprottentage festival.

Each bottle is supplied in an individual wooden box, and the aquavit is typically consumed ice-cold, often together with fish dishes or beer.