A LABOUR minister has called single malt whisky a “proud British brand and export”.
The chief secretary to the treasury, Darren Jones, made the remark while confirming that the UK Government has rejected a bid to change the definition of single malt whisky.
Last month, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it was considering making an application for protected geographic status for English single malt.
It proposed defining English single malt as being made from “UK grain at an English distillery using water local to the distillery”.
But now, new rules would mean English whisky could be made in several different locations – drastically cutting costs for whisky distillers there compared with Scotland.
Single malt whisky is produced from a single distillery, with Scotch whisky specifically referring to products made in Scotland that have been aged in oak casks for at least three years.
If it had been been implemented, this new change would have altered the traditional definition of what it means for whisky to be classified as single malt and sparked fears of the market being flooded with cheap, low-quality products.
But under questioning from the Labour MP for Edinburgh North and Leith, Tracy Gilbert, Jones said the Government would not be altering it.
Gilbert had raised concerns about the impact on investment and growth if the change was made. She told Treasury Questions: “I’m sure [Rachel Reeves] will agree with me on the importance of the Scotch whisky industry.
“Support for the industry starts at home by attracting investment, including at the Port of Leith distillery in my Edinburgh North and Leith constituency, which is producing single malt Scotch whisky, attracting tourists and showcasing the best of Scottish hospitality.
“[She] will be aware of the concern from the industry about the watering down of the definition of single malt, which will have an impact on investment and growth.
“Will she therefore work with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that no changes are made to the definition of single malt that undermine the Scottish success story and investment in the Scottish whisky industry?”
According to the SWA, the value of Scotch exports totalled £5.4 billion last year – a decrease of 3.7% on the previous year.
Responding on behalf of the Treasury team, Labour’s Jones said: “Scotch whisky is a proud British brand and export and this Government will always support the industry.
“I have checked with Defra ministers and I can confirm to her that we will not be watering down the definition of single malt whisky.”
