Carmichael welcomes continued protection of Single Malt whisky designation

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed the government’s decision today to reject changes to the definition of single malt whisky, following a bid made by the English Whisky Guild for geographical indication.

The now-rejected English Whisky Guild application requested 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.

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 gave rise to concerns that the change could devalue the single malt market and damage the valuable reputation of Scotch Whisky.

Commenting, Mr Carmichael said:

“I am glad that the government has seen sense and rejected 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 – and long may that continue.”

A spokesperson from the Scotch Whisky Association said:

“This is a welcome statement from the UK government. The Single Malt category is built on the reputation of Scotch Whisky, and the UK should not water down the longstanding tradition of the production of new make spirit, mashed, fermented and distilled at a single site. This principle should remain the bedrock of single malt produced anywhere in the UK.”