At what ABV do EU standards require whiskey distillation?

Whiskey distillation standards in the EU stipulate that the distillation process must not exceed 94.8% ABV (alcohol by volume). This maximum distillation strength is crucial because it ensures that the spirit retains the distinctive flavor and character associated with whiskey. Distilling above this limit would result in a neutral spirit, stripping away the aromatic compounds and flavors that give whiskey its unique identity.

Maintaining a distillation strength below 94.8% allows for a more complex profile that includes various congeners, which contribute to the whiskey's taste and aroma. Therefore, the correct answer aligns with EU regulations that balance purity with the preservation of flavor characteristics in whiskey production.