THE UK Government has rejected an English bid to change the definition of single malt whisky.
Currently, single malts must be made in one single distillery, but it was then reported that potential new rules would mean English whisky could be made in several different locations – drastically cutting costs for whisky distillers there.
This sparked fears of the market being flooded with cheap, low-quality products, ruining the reputation of “single malt” whisky.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and the Scottish Government hit out at the plans.
But now, the Labour Government's chief secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, confirmed it "will not be watering down the definition of malt whisky."
Speaking in the House of Commons in response to a question about the furore, he said: "Scotch whisky is a proud British brand and export. This Government will always support the industry. I've checked with Defra [Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] ministers and can confirm to my honourable friend that we will not be watering down the definition of single malt whisky."
A spokesperson for the SWA had previously said: “It would be very damaging for the reputation of single malt whisky from the UK, and by extension single malt Scotch whisky, if English whiskies were allowed to describe spirit as ‘single malt’ despite being produced in a different manner to the established process and long-standing traditions of the Scotch whisky industry.”
The proposals had also received criticism from the SNP, with First Minister John Swinney telling Holyrood that the Scottish Government would “make all necessary representations on this issue to protect the identity and the character of Scotch whisky”.
Defra has been approached for comment.
