"ciroc" news and stories

A few months ago, I posted about the debate that several vodka producing countries are having over what should and shouldn't be called vodka. An article in today's New York Times picks up the story. Basically, certain countries, including Finland, Sweden and Poland, contend that for something to be called vodka, it must be distilled from either potatoes or certain grains, not from things like grapes or maple syrup. These countries are seeking labeling restrictions for these "non-traditional" vodkas. BBC News reported that such restrictions could affect up to two thirds of all the vodka currently produced in non-Baltic EU countries. The NYT article also points out that vodka's history and original ingredients are up for debate, citing possible Russian, Polish, Italian and Arabian origins that may have included plums, apples or grapes.

Much like the recent battle over what can and can't be called feta cheese, several European countries are trying to restrict what can be called vodka. Finland, Poland and Sweden feel that only spirits distilled from certain grains and potatoes have the right to be called vodka, the Associated Press reported. The countries are opposed to products like Cîroc, distilled from grapes, being called vodka because they fear it will dilute the definition of their traditional versions. Others say it's simply a marketing tactic, designed to limit the number of new entrants into the vodka market.

[Via Fark]