English Whisky has joined Irish, Scotch and Welsh whiskies in earning its own protected ‘geographical indication’ (GI) status.
The development, announced late last week, provides legal protection of the terms ‘English Whisky’ and ‘English Whiskey’ under the UK Spirit Drinks Geographical Indications Scheme, which is managed by the UK Government’s department for environment, food & rural affairs (Defra). Trade association English Whisky Guild, which submitted the application in 2022, said the move “closes a long-standing gap in UK GI policy”.
“Securing GI status is a landmark achievement for English whisky and recognition of the quality and innovation across our growing industry,” said English Whisky Guild CEO Morag Garden. “We are grateful to Defra and to everyone who contributed to this collaborative effort.
“This milestone will support future growth and international recognition for English Whisky.”
A consultation on GI status last February drew the ire of distillers in Scotland, some of whom argued that the definition of English single malt was “entirely inconsistent” with the existing rules for single malt scotch.
Founded in 2022, the English Whisky Guild has 28 members operating “60-plus” distilleries in the country. The total number of whisky distilleries in England has risen to “more than” 70, compared to 46 in 2023. The membership organisation estimates maturing stocks held in casks across England to be worth around GBP1bn (US$1.35bn).
In Asia last year, the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association announced plans to register Japanese whisky for GI status.
