English whisky has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, making ‘English whisky’ and ‘English whiskey’ legally protected names in the UK for the first time.
The decision means that all four nations of UK whisky now have equivalent legal protection, with English whisky joining scotch, Welsh and Irish counterparts in enjoying GI status. Welsh whisky was awarded its GI status in July 2023.
Under the approved specification, English whisky must be made from UK cereal grain and English water, and distilled in England from wort created in England at less than 94.9% abv.
It must also be matured in England for a minimum of three years in wooden casks and bottled at a minimum of 40% abv. Plain caramel (E150a) is the only permitted additive and only for colour.
The milestone comes after more than six years of campaign work by the English Whisky Guild, which first submitted an application to Defra in 2022.
“This is a defining moment for English whisky,” said chair and Cotswolds Distillery CEO Dan Szor. “It gives English whisky a clear and protected identity, celebrates the quality and provenance behind what we produce, and sends a powerful signal to consumers and markets around the world.”
Morag Garden, English Whisky Guild CEO, added: “Securing GI status is a landmark achievement for English whisky and recognition of the quality and innovation across our growing industry. We are grateful to Defra and to everyone who contributed to this collaborative effort.”
The decision to award English whisky GI status reflected “English whisky’s distinctive character alongside the expert craftsmanship that goes into its production”, said environment secretary Angela Eagle.
“It’s a milestone that will be felt far beyond the distillery gates, bringing jobs, investment and pride to communities across the country,” she added.
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