New bid to protect Scotch whisky from inferior copies

By DAVID MADDOX
Published on 12/10/2012 00:00

A CONSULTATION to find ways to protect Scotch whisky from inferior copies is to be launched today by HM Revenues and Customs.

The new proposals are designed to protect Scotch whisky, by making sure that the “real thing” goes through the five specified production processes of fermentation, distillation, maturation, blending and bottling/labelling.

Scotch whisky is already protected under EU legislation, as a product of Geographical Indication (GI).

Such GI products, which are closely associated with a particular place also include champagne and Parma ham.

Chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said: “Scotch whisky is not just the national drink; it’s a £4 billion international export success story that is hugely important to the whole of the UK. So it’s right that the UK Government goes the extra mile to protect it.”