English whisky GI
| English whisky | |
|---|---|
| Geographical indication | |
.jpeg) Front page of the English whisky GI | |
| Alternative names | English whiskey |
| Description | A geographical indication for English whisky/whiskey |
| Type | Distilled beverage |
| Area | 9 Regions North East England, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, East of England, London, South East England, South West England, West Midlands, North West England |
| Country | England |
| Registered | Due for a decision on the 20 May 2025[1] |
| Material | malt, grains, water |
| Official website | English whisky specification |
The English whisky GI is a proposed legal framework that was submitted by the English Whisky Guild that if accepted, whisky producers would have to follow in order to call their whisky English.[2]
The English whisky GI has been the topic of an ongoing heated debate[3][4] specifically around the use of the term single malt.[5][6]
Specifications
[edit]The Geographical indication outlines the proposed specifications to be called English whisky
- Ingredients: UK cereal grains and English water
- Wash: (milled and fermented) in England
- Distillation: in England at an alcohol strength less than 94.8%
- Maturation: in wooden casks of no more than 700ml for a minimum of 3 years
- Bottled: at an abv of above 40%
- Sweeteners/Additives: none permitted except for E150a
The English whisky GI also specifies that English single malt must be:
- Ingredients: made using malt barley from England
- Distillation: in copper pots stills at a single distillery in England [7]
If the GI is accepted then all the above criteria will have to met in order to legally call a whisky an English Whisky.[8]
Application
[edit]On 14 February 2022, the English Whisky Guild applied for a geographical indication (GI) in order to establish a legal definition for English whisky.[9] Suggested criteria include:
- All grain used in the production of English whisky must originate from the United Kingdom.
- The entire distillation process must be conducted within England.
- Maturation of the whisky must take place exclusively in casks within England.[10][11]
The English whisky GI was due to become active in 2024.[12] However on 19 February 2025, the English whisky GI entered into the consultation phase of the application process which is due to last three months and end on 19 May 2025; this is alongside a published copy of the detailed GI. During the consultation phase interested parties can send feedback or oppose the geographical indication.[13]
Opposition
[edit]On 20 February 2025, the Scotch Whisky Association released a statement rejecting the definition of English single malt. The SWA argue that this is inconsistent with the reputation of single malt and would affect Scotch whisky, with the SWA due to send an official submission of opposition to DEFRA which they say will safeguard the quality of single malt Scotch whisky and other single malts in the U.K.[14]
On 20 February 2025, the several members of the Scottish Government, including Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon and John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, made public statements rejecting the definition of single malt outlined in the English whisky GI. The Scottish First Minister has said he will make all necessary representation to protect the scotch whisky industry.[15]
Support
[edit]On 21 February 2025, the English Whisky Guild made a statement praising the progress of the English whisky GI as it moves to the consultation phase, and commented on the EWG statement. In regard to the SWA statement the EWG pointed to the USA, EU and Welsh whisky GIs and how the processes in the English whisky GI are consistent with the processes in those GIs, and also pointed to the unique history and charities of English whisky.[16]
On 26 February 2025, Andrew Nelstrop the Managing Director (C.E.O) of the English Whisky Co made a statement in support of the English whisky GI. Nelstrop has called the SWA statement nonsense, pointing out that other similar GI’s including for Welsh Whisky used the same process and that English and that in the sourcing of Malt and Grains, the English whisky GI is far more stringent then the Scotch whisky GI. Nelstrop also states that he thinks that the biggest threat facing Scotch whisky comes from the dumping of low price scotch onto the market which devalues no just their whisky but other whisky on the market.[17]
On 24 April 2025 Compass Box released Scot-Free a blended English Vatted Malt whisky in support the English whisky Geographical Indication.[18][19]
See also
[edit]List of whisky distilleries in England
List of whisky brands in England
List of independent English Whisky bottlers
Food and Drink Industry in England
List of United Kingdom food and drink products with protected status
External links
[edit]English Whisky Geographical Indication (GI) 1 2
References
[edit]- ^ Bayley, James (2025-02-25). "English distillers stir up controversy with whisky GI bid". The Drinks Business. Retrieved 2025-03-15.
- ^ pwd (2022-03-07). "Distillers Want Legal Definition for English Whisky". Whisky Investment. Retrieved 2025-03-15.
- ^ "Whisky distillers dispute UK barley usage and GI status". Farmers Weekly. 2025-03-04. Retrieved 2025-03-15.
- ^ Carruthers, Nicola (2025-04-08). "War of words: the English whisky GI debate". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
- ^ "English geographical bid for 'single malt' whisky status - and why it could 'undermine' Scotch". The Scotsman. 2025-02-21. Retrieved 2025-03-15.
- ^ "recent issue – World Whisky & more". Retrieved 2025-03-31.
- ^ Dwyer, Phil (2024-05-11). "What Is Happening To English Whisky?". The Whiskey Wash. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
- ^ Dodd, Oli (February 21, 2025). "English whisky GI proposal provokes SWA criticism". Drinks international.
- ^ Malczewski, Kate (25 February 2022). "Producers seek legal definition for English whisky". The Spirits Business.
- ^ Whisky, Bulk (9 May 2022). "English Whisky producers fight for a GI". Bulk Wine & Spirits.
- ^ Dwyer, Phil (11 May 2024). "What Is Happening To English Whisky?". The Whiskey Wash. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "The English Whisky Guild Annual Review". Digital Distiller. Retrieved 2024-09-03.
- ^ "Bevvy". bevvy.com. Retrieved 2025-02-20.
- ^ Carruthers, Nicola (2025-02-20). "SWA slams English whisky GI proposal". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2025-02-20.
- ^ "Scotch makers condemn English single malt whisky proposal". BBC News. 2025-02-21. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ^ "English geographical bid for 'single malt' whisky status - and why it could 'undermine' Scotch". The Scotsman. 2025-02-21. Retrieved 2025-02-21.
- ^ Bayley, James (2025-02-26). "'Complete nonsense' – English whisky fights back against SWA criticism". The Drinks Business. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ Hohwieler, Rupert (2025-04-24). "Compass Box releases Scot-Free in support of English whisky". The Spirits Business. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
- ^ "Scot-Free English Vatted Malt CB - Ratings and reviews - Whiskybase". Whiskybase.com. Retrieved 2025-05-17.