Lithuanian beer receives PGI status
The European Commission has given Lithuanian beer ‘Kaimiškas Jovarų alus’ Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.
‘Kaimiškas Jovarų alus’ is an amber-coloured, naturally fermented, live (unpasteurised and unfiltered), barley malt beer. Its entire production process is carried out within a household using a traditional method.
The EC said the beer’s ‘original and exceptional characteristics’ are the result of a traditional production method acquired by generations of brewers using traditional recipes and the ingredients.
The different stages of producing ‘Kaimiškas Jovarų alus’ – grinding the malt, boiling the hops, mashing and lautering, fermenting and maturing the beer – are what makes it unique, it added. The beer’s characteristic taste and quality is also determined by the yeast it contains, which has been kept by several generations of family brewers.
This new name will be added to the list of 1,450 products already protected.
Image: GettyImages/Ridofranz