🥃 Originali lietuviška degtinė
EU protected name since 2003 for vodka made in Lithuania (in English, Original Lithuanian vodka); since 2014 it also covers flavoured vodka; from 37.5% ABV.
Originali lietuviška degtinė (in English, Original Lithuanian vodka) is an EU protected name for vodka produced in Lithuania. It was registered in the European Union on 23 September 2003. The name covers both plain and flavoured vodka, and, as with any EU vodka, the strength is at least 37.5% ABV.
Two categories. In the list of protected spirit drink names, Lithuanian vodka was entered under category 15, vodka. Commission Regulation (EU) No 98/2014 of 3 February 2014 added it to category 31, flavoured vodka, as well, because the technical file also covers flavoured versions. The same was done for Polish vodka (Polska Wódka).
What vodka means in EU law. It is a spirit drink made from ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin, distilled or rectified so that the character of the raw material is noticeably reduced; it may then be treated further, for example with activated charcoal. The minimum is 37.5% ABV. Flavoured vodka has a predominant flavour other than that of the raw material and is also at least 37.5% ABV.
Lithuanian names. Besides vodka, Lithuania holds EU protected names for the grain distillate Samanė, Vilniaus Džinas gin, the bitter Trejos devynerios and the herbal Trauktinė. Alongside Estonian vodka and Polish vodka, it is one of the few protected vodka names in the EU. Since the end of 2020 the name has also been protected in the United Kingdom.
Why it matters. The name Originali lietuviška degtinė guarantees Lithuanian origin, not smoothness: this is a strong vodka from 37.5% ABV, and the flavoured version is no weaker for its berry or herbal taste. The WHO points out that no level of alcohol consumption is safe.
Facts
| Legal basis | EU protected name since 23.09.2003; Commission Regulation (EU) No 98/2014 (cat. 31); now Regulation (EU) 2019/787 |
|---|---|
| EU category | vodka (cat. 15) and flavoured vodka (cat. 31) |
| Raw material | ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | from 37.5% ABV |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Originali lietuviška degtinė → affects → 🍷 Alcohol and health ← affects ← 🥃 Spirits
Links
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🍸 Vodka, 🍸 Flavoured vodka
- Related to
- 🌍 Northern Europe
- Similar and different
- 🍸 Polish vodka (Polska Wódka), 🥃 Estonian Vodka, 🥃 Swedish vodka (Svensk Vodka)
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that flavoured Lithuanian vodka cannot carry this name?
No. Since 2014 the protected name Originali lietuviška degtinė also covers the EU category flavoured vodka.
When was the name protected in the EU?
It was registered in the EU on 23 September 2003; today it applies under Regulation (EU) 2019/787.
How strong is Lithuanian vodka?
At least 37.5% ABV, like any vodka or flavoured vodka in the EU.
What is the name in English?
Original Lithuanian vodka; on the label it appears in Lithuanian and/or English.
Which other Lithuanian drinks have protected names?
The grain distillate Samanė, Vilniaus Džinas gin, the bitter Trejos devynerios and the herbal Trauktinė.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🌍 Northern Europe — Scandinavia, Finland, Denmark and Iceland: a cold land of cows, Icelandic skyr, Norwegian brunost and Danish cheeses with protected names.
- 🥃 Swedish vodka (Svensk Vodka) — EU protected name for vodka made from spirit of Swedish wheat, rye, barley, oats or potatoes, diluted with Swedish water; 40–60% ABV, up to 2 g/l sugar.
- 🍷 Drunk driving — Never drive after drinking wine: alcohol slows your reactions.
Similar
🥃 Finnish vodka (Suomalainen Vodka) · 🥃 Norsk Vodka · 🥃 Estonian Vodka · 🥃 Swedish vodka (Svensk Vodka) · 🥃 Bison Grass Vodka · 🥃 Genièvre aux fruits / Vruchtenjenever
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Regulation (EC) No 110/2008, Annex III as at 31.01.2020 (legislation.gov.uk): Lithuania — cat. 15 vodka and cat. 31 flavoured vodka: Originali lietuviška degtinė / Original Lithuanian vodka; other Lithuanian names: Samanė (cat. 3), Vilniaus Džinas / Vilnius Gin (cat. 19), Trejos devynerios (cat. 30), Trauktinė, Trauktinė Palanga, Trauktinė Dainava
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 98/2014 of 3 February 2014 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 — Polska Wódka and Originali lietuviška degtinė registered for cat. 15 'Vodka'; their technical specifications also cover flavoured vodka, so both added to cat. 31
- GOV.UK (Defra): Protected food and drink names — Originali lietuviška degtinė / Original Lithuanian vodka: spirit drink GI, classes 15 and 31, Lithuania; original EU registration 23.09.2003; UK registration 31.12.2020
- Regulation (EU) 2019/787 on spirit drinks, Annex I as adopted (legislation.gov.uk): cat. 15 vodka (ethyl alcohol of agricultural origin, distilled and/or rectified so that the characteristics of the raw materials are selectively reduced, possibly treated with activated charcoal; min. 37.5 %), cat. 31 flavoured vodka (min. 37.5 %)
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)