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The UK government’s proposal to allow English whisky producers to use the term “single malt” has sparked strong opposition from Scottish distilleries and politicians, who argue it could undermine the integrity of Scotch whisky.
Under the proposed changes, whisky made in a single English distillery could be labeled as “single malt English whisky.”
However, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has voiced concerns that this would “devalue” the term because English whisky production follows a less stringent process than its Scottish counterpart.
Graham Littlejohn, the SWA’s director of strategy and communications, emphasised the differences in production methods.
He explained, “What Scotch whisky does is it takes the malted barley, creates the mash, ferments it, and then distils it at one site. What the English proposal would do is to strip away the first two of those three elements and really remove the fundamental connection to place that single malt Scotch whisky has.”
Unlike Scotch whisky, the proposed English single malt whisky would only need to be distilled at one site, while mashing and fermentation could occur elsewhere. The English Whisky Guild defended this practice, stating that its distilleries collaborate with local breweries to utilize their “brewing expertise to create innovative and distinct whiskies.”
The guild also stressed its commitment to provenance, agreeing with the SWA that a “sense of place is a critical element of whisky.” It added that English whisky distillers are required to source their grain from within the UK.
Despite these assurances, the SWA remains firm in its opposition, warning that such a move “would really damage the integrity of the single malt category and with it, the reputation of the Scotch whisky industry.”
The proposal forms part of a broader application by the English Whisky Guild for geographical indication (GI) status for English whisky. If granted, this status would protect the term, allowing it to be used exclusively for whisky produced in England.
Scottish government officials have strongly opposed the proposal. Mairi Gougeon, Scotland’s cabinet secretary for rural affairs, warned that any effort to weaken the definition of “single malt” could have “devastating effects on our iconic whisky industry and would be wholly unacceptable.” She highlighted the industry’s economic significance, noting that Scotch whisky exports were worth £5.4 billion last year.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney also pledged to intervene, stating that the government would “make all necessary representations on this issue to protect the identity and the character of Scotch whisky.”
Opponents of the proposal have three months to submit formal objections. The SWA has confirmed that it will respond to the UK government’s consultation process, vowing to “robustly defend against any devaluation of the single malt category.”
Chioma Kalu
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