Minister toasts new rules on Scotch whisky labelling

Published on Saturday 21 November 2009 20:00

NEW regulations on whisky will help protect one of Scotland's "most cherished" products, Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said yesterday.

The regulations, which come into force today, include the need for whiskies to carry a category description – such as "blended Scotch whisky" – to ensure drinkers receive clear and consistent information.

Use of the term "pure malt" is to be banned, to prevent the description being used for blended whiskies to make them appear superior to single malts.

The Scotch Whisky Association hailed the new rules as "landmark legislation".

Murphy said: "It is vital that we protect our key industries. We cannot allow others to trade off our good name and to pass off inferior whisky as being produced in Scotland. These regulations will help protect whisky customers across the globe."

Single malt Scotch whiskies will be required to be bottled in Scotland, and there will also be new protection for the traditional regional names associated with Scotch whisky, clear rules on statements about the age of the whisky, along with protection for Scotch from unfair competition.

The Scottish Secretary, who does not drink alcohol, said the new labelling rules would mean whisky drinkers would "have a clearer understanding about precisely where and how their drink has been produced".

He added: "This will enhance the education of many whisky drinkers as well as their enjoyment."

The SWA's chief executive Gavin Hewitt said: "This is landmark legislation for Scotch whisky."