Double Caraway Liqueur 45

Doppelkümmel 45 as a Baden-style digestif from the Kaiserstuhl

The Doppelkümmel 45 from Faude feine Brände is Florian’s Baden-style reinterpretation of the North German caraway classic, distilled in the Kaiserstuhl at 45% ABV. Spicy, herbal, with clear caraway at its core – a digestif that provides the perfect finishing touch after a hearty meal.

Doppelkümmel 45 is a caraway distillate from master distiller Florian Faude in Bötzingen at the Kaiserstuhl. Florian has reimagined the almost forgotten North German classic, balancing it with caraway, fennel, star anise, cumin, and cardamom. With only 10g of sugar per liter, it remains lean, with caraway firmly in the driver’s seat.

Caraway up front, with fennel and cardamom in the background

On the nose, the Doppelkümmel 45 is led clearly by caraway, accompanied by fennel, star anise, and a warm note of cardamom.

On the palate, it becomes rounded and multifaceted – coriander, orris root, and a hint of lemon peel give the classic a bright, almost perfumed edge. A pinch of rock candy provides the caramel color and binds the spices together without making the Doppelkümmel sweet. Spicy, savory, robust – the finish leaves a lingering impression.

Unlike the often cloyingly sweet Doppelkümmel of the past, Florian’s version remains lean and clear. The sweetness recedes, the botanicals step forward – a caraway spirit that tastes like a herb garden, not candy.

Ice-cold after a meal or with tonic

Traditionally, you drink the Doppelkümmel 45 ice-cold as a digestif; more modern ways include serving it over ice or topped with tonic.

After a hearty meal, we like to serve it ice-cold straight from the freezer – a spicy, grandmother-style finishing touch. Following a pot roast, kale, or a hearty stew, a clear, herbal sip rounds off the evening. For those who prefer a longer drink, serve it over ice with neutral tonic and a lemon twist. Other excellent digestif options include the clear fruit brandies, such as the Cherry or the Williams Christ Pear.

Caraway schnapps, reimagined in the Kaiserstuhl

Florian Faude produces the Doppelkümmel by macerating the spices to release their aroma, followed by distillation in a copper pot still.

The Doppelkümmel gets its name from the double portion of caraway that gives it its spice; in the North, it once warmed sailors and dockworkers. Caraway schnapps is – not least thanks to the band Die Toten Hosen – arguably the most sung-about ice-cold spirit. But there are worlds between different varieties: A "Doppelkümmel" must have at least 38% ABV and, above all, taste of caraway, whereas Aquavit and Köm begin at 30%. At 45% ABV, Florian kicks it up a notch.

Florian took over his parents’ distillery in 2006 and built his own in 2017. "Whatever time we take away, we add back in botanicals," explains Florian regarding his method. The caraway seeds and other spices steep in neutral alcohol before being distilled. He then brings the Doppelkümmel to bottling strength using soft Black Forest water, with no added colorants or chill-filtration, filling it into 500 ml bottles. You can find more spirits from Faude feine Brände here.

From the freezer, syrupy cold

We place the Doppelkümmel 45 in the freezer for a few hours, turning it syrupy cold and especially smooth. When enjoyed this icy, the caraway spice shines best. Cheers, or as they say in the North when enjoying caraway: Hummel, Hummel!