Carmichael backs motion to protect Scotch single malt whisky brand

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today co-sponsored a parliamentary motion by fellow Liberal Democrat Jamie Stone MP, calling for the protection of the Scottish Single Malt Whisky category in light of a bid made by the English Whisky Guild for geographical indication.

Research by the Scotch Whisky Association has revealed that the value of Scotch exports topped £5.6bn in 2023, making Scotch whisky one of the UK’s greatest exports by value, with a renowned reputation worldwide.

This reputation comes from the unique production process which includes mashing, fermenting, distilling and maturing malted barley grain in a single distillery.

The English Whisky Guild’s application requests the recognition of a category of English Single Malt which has not been mashed, fermented, distilled and matured in only one single distillery, changing the traditional definition of what it means for whisky to be classified as Single Malt.

This has given rise to concerns that, if successful, this change would devalue the single malt market and damage the valuable reputation of Scotch Whisky.

Commenting, Mr Carmichael said:

“I am glad to back my colleague Jamie Stone in this motion and to stand against any proposals to water down protections for the single malt whisky brand.  

“The special status of Scottish Single Malt Whisky is not something that any government should tamper with. It has a unique value which brings tax revenue to the UK and high-quality jobs to economically fragile communities across the Highlands and Islands.

“While I can understand their motivations, I am concerned that proposals for a lower quality barrier for the English “single malt” designation could undermine the single malt brand for Scotch as well. There must be a level playing field where the traditional definition of single malt whisky is respected. The government should think again on this proposal.”