Description
By virtue of legal notice 107361 published on April 16, 2025 in the Gazette officielle du Québec, Volume 157, No. 16, the Ministre de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation has recognized the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Acerum du Québec.
At the crossroads of innovation and Quebec heritage
Acerum du Québec, a spirit made exclusively from Quebec maple sap, combines an innovative processing strategy with the valorization of local resources. Quebec is the world leader in maple syrup production. The province alone accounts for 72% of world production and 90% of Canadian production. Beyond its economic importance, maple syrup is part of an history deeply rooted in the territory of Quebec. These traditions have been recognized as intangible cultural heritage since 2021 by the ministère de la Culture. Designated as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), Acerum du Québec represents the maple syrup craft heritage, while integrating the artisanal and industrial practices of home-grown distillation.
Heritage and distillation know-how
Since the days of the Nouvelle-France, Quebec has had a long tradition of distillation, marked by the adaptation of imported techniques by European entrepreneurs and the use of local raw materials such as cereals and molasses. This expertise, combined with economic needs and historical contexts such as Prohibition, has shaped a unique and flourishing industry.
The Acerum du Québec is part of this historical continuity, integrating traditional savoir-faire with a contemporary approach, targeting rapidly expanding international markets. It contributes to the province’s economic and cultural diversification, while consolidating its image as a land of innovation with a keen respect for tradition.
Acerum du Québec is characterized by the absence of sweetness, for after the sugar has been transformed into alcohol during fermentation, the maple’s hidden, delicate aromas are revealed by distillation. It can be white, amber or aged, and its organoleptic profile can vary according to production methods. It is similar to both fruit spirits and sugarcane rums.
Key certification requirements
Unlike other comparable products such as maple-flavored spirits, maple liqueurs or maple creams, Acerum du Québec is distinguished by the raw material used, the production process and, where applicable, the aging process. Acerum du Québec is obtained exclusively by distilling the alcohol produced by fermenting maple sap or products derived from it, including concentrated maple sap, reduced maple sap and maple syrup, all from Quebec.
All types of stills are permitted, and the distillate must have an alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 90% at 20°C to preserve the characteristic aromas of fermented maple sap. Apart from water and, in some cases, permeate, no other substances may be added to the distillate after distillation. To obtain a particular aromatic profile, blends of Acerum du Québec are permitted, but must comply with the rules specific to each type of product (white, amber, aged). In all cases, Acerum du Québec must contain a maximum of 15 grams of sugar per liter, and must have a minimum alcoholic strength by volume of 35% when marketed.
Geographical area
The geographical delimitation includes the entire province of Quebec. All stages of production, from sap harvesting to bottling, must take place within this geographical area.
Accredited certification bodies
The accredited certifier for Acerum du Québec PGI is Ecocert Canada. For any questions about certification: info.canada@ecocert.com
Applicant group
For information on products and companies associated with this reserved designation, please contact the Union des distillateurs de spiritueux d’érable (UDSÉ) at the following address:
courriel@courriel.com
