Cuba’s geographic indication (GI) for rum was submitted to the EU for approval on Feb. 22, 2023. If approved, Cuba’s rules about what can be labeled “Ron de Cuba” will be enforced within EU countries.
In one of your previous articles, you mentioned that the maximum ABV for Cuban rum is 43%. Was this a previous limit that has now changed?
Also, as I understand, the GI you referred to in the article applies within the EU, correct? If so, what document regulates the production of Cuban rum within Cuba itself, and are there any differences?
> In one of your previous articles, you mentioned that the maximum ABV for Cuban rum is 43%. Was this a previous limit that has now changed?
To be honest, I don't know what the requirements were prior to Cuba's initial rum GI.
> Also, as I understand, the GI you referred to in the article applies within the EU, correct?
Cuba has applied for its GI to be in effect in the EU. However, at the moment the EU has still not approved it.
> If so, what document regulates the production of Cuban rum within Cuba itself, and are there any differences?
I imagine there are other regulations within Cuba. However, a GI doesn't mandate production processes. Instead, a GI sets for a series of conditions that must be met to use the GI's protected wording, e.g., "Ron de Cuba."
Theoretically a rum made in Cuba but not meeting the criteria could be made and sold. They just should use the term "Ron de Cuba" as part of the product description, e.g,, on the label.
How much influence does E.U. recognition of a G.I. impact other parties like U.K. and U.S.? I'm new to this side of things, but I recall there being some legal fights within the U.S. around Cuban rums.
In one of your previous articles, you mentioned that the maximum ABV for Cuban rum is 43%. Was this a previous limit that has now changed?
Also, as I understand, the GI you referred to in the article applies within the EU, correct? If so, what document regulates the production of Cuban rum within Cuba itself, and are there any differences?
Thank you in advance!
> In one of your previous articles, you mentioned that the maximum ABV for Cuban rum is 43%. Was this a previous limit that has now changed?
To be honest, I don't know what the requirements were prior to Cuba's initial rum GI.
> Also, as I understand, the GI you referred to in the article applies within the EU, correct?
Cuba has applied for its GI to be in effect in the EU. However, at the moment the EU has still not approved it.
> If so, what document regulates the production of Cuban rum within Cuba itself, and are there any differences?
I imagine there are other regulations within Cuba. However, a GI doesn't mandate production processes. Instead, a GI sets for a series of conditions that must be met to use the GI's protected wording, e.g., "Ron de Cuba."
Theoretically a rum made in Cuba but not meeting the criteria could be made and sold. They just should use the term "Ron de Cuba" as part of the product description, e.g,, on the label.
How much influence does E.U. recognition of a G.I. impact other parties like U.K. and U.S.? I'm new to this side of things, but I recall there being some legal fights within the U.S. around Cuban rums.
Great question. For the UK, I'm not 100% sure yet, post-brexit.
For the US, it sadly has little impact. See this story I wrote: https://cocktailwonk.com/2019/11/can-us-recognize-rum-regulations.html
The legal fights within the US regarding Cuban rums aren't over the GI itself, Trademark ownership issues is much more likely.