KYIV, Feb 12 – The legislative definition of "whiskey" adopted by Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada in its "budget package" could lead to the disappearance of many well-known brands of this beverage from Ukrainian stores, the European Business Association (EBA) has said.

The EBA said the definition is contrary to EU standards. In particular, the law defines whiskey as an alcoholic beverage with an alcohol content of 35% to 45% by volume, whereas in Europe the minimum concentration of alcohol in whiskey is 40%, and there is no upper limit. In addition, Ukrainian lawmakers say whiskey should be made according to cognac technology, whereas it is produced by distilling the liquid extracted from the mashing process (wort).