SWA prepares shake-up of spirit definitions

14/03/05 The Scotch Whisky Association is preparing the most drastic shake-up of spirit definitions for a century. It is also seeking legislative protection to ensure distillers and distributors stick to its new labelling protocols.

The definitions are intended to improve public understanding of whisky categories as well as protecting Scotch whisky from illegal traders at home and abroad.

In future whisky would fit into two basic categories – single and blended. Single will then be sub-divided into single malt and single grain definitions. Blended will be split into blended grain, blended malt orblended (a combination of malt and grain). Additionally, regional or local names such as Highland, Lowland, Speyside and Islay will be protected for the first time. At present, only the term Scotch whisky is enshrined in law.

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