Spirit Drink

An In-Depth Explanation

Spirit Drink is a newly established category within the spirits industry, created to encompass certain types of spirits made from sugarcane with a sugar content exceeding 20 grams per liter. This category was introduced as a result of EU Regulation 2019/787, which aims to protect and regulate the designation of rum and other spirit products.

EU Regulation 2019/787:
EU Regulation 2019/787, which came into effect on May 25, 2021, sets forth rules and standards for the production, labeling, and presentation of spirits. The goal of this regulation is to ensure transparency and protect consumers from misleading information. A key aspect of this regulation is the definition of what can be labeled as rum. According to these rules, rum must not contain more than 20 grams of residual sugar per liter. This requirement was introduced to preserve the traditional character of rum and distinguish it from other sweeter spirit products.

Implications for Producers:
Prior to the implementation of EU Regulation 2019/787, popular rum brands such as Diplomatico, Ron Millonario, and Ron Zacapa would have been classified as rum even though their sugar content exceeded the now permitted limit. With the new rules in place, these brands have had to modify their recipes to reduce the sugar content in order to remain within the rum category's definition.

The Spirit Drink Category:
The Spirit Drink category now includes those spirit products that exceed the 20 grams of sugar per liter limit. This encompasses not only traditional rum brands that have chosen not to alter their recipes but also a variety of other products known for their sweet and spiced flavor profiles. Bottles such as AH Riise and various spiced rums now fall under this category. Consequently, the category is broad and includes a wide range of spirits that can no longer be classified as rum under the new EU rules.

Significance for Consumers:
For consumers, this regulation means a clearer understanding of what they are purchasing when they choose rum or a Spirit Drink. Rum is now guaranteed to have a lower sugar content, appealing to those seeking a more traditional and pure taste experience. Conversely, those who prefer sweeter and more complex flavor profiles can find their favorites in the Spirit Drink category.

Conclusion:
The new Spirit Drink category, resulting from EU Regulation 2019/787, represents a significant development in the spirits industry. It ensures that the designation of rum is preserved for products with lower sugar content while also providing space for the many sweeter spirit variants that remain popular among consumers. This creates a more transparent and accurate marketing of spirit products, benefiting both producers and consumers.