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Effective today (June 26, 2019), the government of Canada has updated its labeling laws for vodka. This is the first change in the country’s laws regarding vodka since 1959. The change was announced via publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 153, Number 13.
These new laws—as set forth in the Food and Drug Regulations of Canada—include the following standards:
- Canadian vodka may be produced from cereal grains, potatoes, or other agricultural products such as fruit, dairy products, or honey
- If produced from a base ingredient other than potatoes or grains, it must be stated on the label using terminology such as “vodka produced from grapes” or a phrase such as “produced from apples” in close proximity to the term “Vodka” on the label
- Canadian vodka should be rendered neutral (without distinctive character, aroma, or taste) during its production process, which may include (but does not require) charcoal filtration.
These new standards are an update of the previous laws, which permitted Canadian Vodka to be produced using potatoes or cereal grains only, and required that all Canadian vodka undergo charcoal-filtration.
It is expected that these new laws will encourage innovation in the Canadian distilling industry while facilitating international trade.
Sounds like today is a great day to taste-test some Canadian vodka! May I recommend Crystal Head Vodka (Dan Aykroyd will thank you), Iceberg Vodka, or perhaps a dry martini made with Polar Ice?
Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org
References/for more information:
- http://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2019/2019-06-26/html/sor-dors217-eng.html
- http://inspection.gc.ca/food/requirements-and-guidance/labelling/notice-to-industry-2019-06-26/eng/1561471058273/1561471058538
- https://www.crystalheadvodka.com/
- https://www.iceberg.ca/
- https://polarice.ca/