We are delighted to announce the publication of the Geographical Indication (GI) for English Whisky, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards securing own national Whisky Geographical Indications that legally protect our whisky production. The GI underscores our commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity of spirit.
We are aware of the recent media statement from the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) regarding the definition of Single Malt Whisky within our GI.
Ensuring quality and innovation are at the forefront of all we do, so it is vital for this fast-growing English Whisky industry to receive GI status and legal protection.
It is important to note that the English Whisky GI allows companies to partner with local breweries, leveraging their brewing expertise to create innovative and distinct whiskies. This approach is consistent with practices in other global whisky-producing regions, including the US which requires all production processes to take place in the United States. The EU also follows similar standards, and in the UK, the Single Malt Welsh Whisky aligns with our GI characteristic of being distilled at a single distillery. These differing standards support the creation of quality whisky while fostering innovation and differentiation in each country. English Whisky uniquely combines the innovation of New World Whisky with the craftsmanship of UK manufacturing, positioning it perfectly in the market.
While “Single” whisky can be complex legislatively, for consumers, we believe it is simpler: think of it as the contrast between black and white. “Single” means whisky from one distillery, while “Blended” comes from several. Helping consumers understand the whisky's origin.
We agree with the SWA that provenance and a sense of place is a critical element of whisky. Our GI requires all grain to be sourced from the UK, which is unique across the 4 UK whisky nations and supports our local farmers. Many of our members also grow their own barley as well as brewing and distilling themselves. We believe our GI ensures each bottle of English whisky embodies the essence of its origin.
We look forward to engaging in the DEFRA consultation process, alongside SWA and other interested parties, to ensure that the standards for English whisky are robust and reflective of our commitment to quality, innovation and diversity which is the backbone of English Whisky.
For further information, please contact Amanda Moorhouse or Catherine Ewart Smith at Soho Drinks.