UK GOVERNMENT PROPOSES STRICT DEFINITION OF SCOTCH WHISKY
The UK government has announced plans to tighten the definition of Scotch whisky by spring 2008 to protect against counterfeiting and passing off.
“The proposals will define tightly the descriptions applied to Scotch whisky - for example, single malt or blended grain. They will also tightly define its geographical provenance - such as Highland or Islay - and ensure that if the product uses the name of a distillery then it must also come from that distillery,” said Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Hilary Benn.
In all, the proposed regulation will define the following five categories as “Scotch whisky”: single malt, single grain, blended, blended malt and blended grain.
Products may only be called “Scotch” if they are distilled in the following regions: Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Campbeltown or Islay. Further protected regions may be added at a later date.
Regulations will prohibit whiskey from featuring the name of a distillery or similar name on its label, packaging or advertising unless it was actually produced at that distillery.
Lastly, Scotch whiskey will have to be wholly matured in Scotland. The government also proposes banning the export of Scotch in wooden casks.
As you would imagine, the Scotch_Whisky Association (SWA) welcomes the proposed changes.
“The proposals will define tightly the descriptions applied to Scotch whisky - for example, single malt or blended grain. They will also tightly define its geographical provenance - such as Highland or Islay - and ensure that if the product uses the name of a distillery then it must also come from that distillery,” said Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Hilary Benn.
In all, the proposed regulation will define the following five categories as “Scotch whisky”: single malt, single grain, blended, blended malt and blended grain.
Products may only be called “Scotch” if they are distilled in the following regions: Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Campbeltown or Islay. Further protected regions may be added at a later date.
Regulations will prohibit whiskey from featuring the name of a distillery or similar name on its label, packaging or advertising unless it was actually produced at that distillery.
Lastly, Scotch whiskey will have to be wholly matured in Scotland. The government also proposes banning the export of Scotch in wooden casks.
As you would imagine, the Scotch_Whisky Association (SWA) welcomes the proposed changes.
posted at 8:23 AM
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