Image courtesy of https://www.forbes.com/sites/karlaalindahao/2020/03/03/best-irish-whiskeys-for-st-patricks-day-2020
What that means is Ireland’s whiskey will now be marked with a special sign indicating “Geographic Indication”, as per the terms of the European Commission, and would list the product’s unique qualities and production methods.
This change will see Irish whiskey given the same kind of geographical status afforded to products like Champagne and Prosciutto.
It represents a major success for Irish whiskey distillers, who have called for Irish whiskey to be granted special GI status for the past few years.
Under the application submitted to the EU by the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) a variety of distinctive types of Irish whiskey have also been handed the special status.
These include familiar favorites like Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Grain Irish Whiskey, Malt Irish Whiskey and Blended Irish Whiskey.