Scottish Whisky Industry Challenges Proposed English Single Malt Definition

Scottish officials and industry leaders warn that the UK's proposed definition for English single malt whisky could harm the reputation of Scotch whisky.

• The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is considering granting protected geographic status to English single malt whisky.
• The proposed definition allows for English single malt to be made from UK grain and distilled at a single English location, without requiring the use of malted barley at the same site.
• The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) argues this definition undermines the tradition and reputation of single malt whisky, which is closely tied to its place of origin and production methods.
• Scotland's Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, plans to raise concerns with Westminster, emphasizing the economic and cultural importance of Scotch whisky, which employs 20,000 people and generates £5.4 billion in exports annually.
• Defra has stated that no final decision has been made on the application, and the process remains ongoing.

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