Scotch industry protests granting protected status to English single-malt whisky
Scottish whisky makers voiced strong opposition after English single malt was awarded protected geographical indication status.
The Scotch Whisky Association, which includes major brands such as Diageo and Glenmorangie, condemned the decision to grant English single-malt whisky protected geographical indication status, calling it inconsistent with the reputation of single malt whisky. Under current Scotch rules, all production stages must occur at a single Scottish distillery, whereas English regulations permit certain processes to be carried out off-site.
SWA chief executive Mark Kent said the move jeopardises long-standing industry traditions and could undermine the definition of single malt. English representatives, including Tagore Ramoutar of the English Whisky Guild and Andrew Nelstrop of The English Distillery, rejected the criticism, noting recent world-best single malt awards. MP Kevin Hollinrake added that both sectors can coexist, emphasizing Scotch’s role as a national treasure. The debate follows discussions with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about next steps.
