New whisky labelling and bottling laws come into effect

23rd November 2009, 11:54am

From today new rules stipulate that single malt Scotch Whisky must be bottled in Scotland a move the Scottish government is describing as “greater protection against cheap imitations of an iconic Scottish product”.

The Scottish Government has been working closely with the industry, through the Scotch Whisky Association, and with the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs over the last three years to ensure that the industry's requirements are reflected in the new legislation.

In addition to the single malt ruling, producers must make it clear exactly what is in the bottle and where and how it was distilled.

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "Scotch Whisky is a truly iconic Scottish product. It makes a huge contribution to our economy and promotes the brand of 'Scotland' across the world.

"It is vital to protect the good name of Scotch from inferior imitations, and that is why the Scottish Government has contributed to the development of the new Regulations, which do just that. The Regulations will make it clear exactly what is in the bottle, where and how it was distilled and will require Single Malt to be bottled in Scotland."

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