All four nations of UK whisky now have equivalent legal protection as English Whisky joins Scotch, Welsh and Irish counterparts under the UK Spirit Drinks Geographical Indications Scheme.
The English Whisky Guild is delighted to announce that English Whisky has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), making “English Whisky” and “English Whiskey” legally protected names under the UK Spirit Drinks Geographical Indications Scheme.
This decision means that all four nations of the United Kingdom now have equivalent legal protection for their national whisky, alongside Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Welsh Whisky and Irish Whiskey. It closes a long-standing gap in UK GI policy and provides England’s fast-growing whisky sector with a strong foundation for future growth at home and in export markets.
The GI is the result of more than six years of work by the English Whisky Guild, working closely with DEFRA, Guild members and the wider English Whisky community. The original application was submitted in February 2022 and progressed through consultation before receiving final approval.
A Landmark Moment for English Whisky
“This is a defining moment for English Whisky. As a founder and now Chair of the English Whisky Guild, I am immensely proud to see our category formally recognised with its own Geographical Indication. 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.”
“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. This milestone will support future growth and international recognition for English Whisky.”
What the GI Means
Legal protection for the names English Whisky and English Whiskey.
Greater confidence and clarity for consumers.
Support for UK agriculture through a requirement that cereal grain must be grown in the United Kingdom.
Flexibility that reflects the innovative nature of the English Whisky sector.• A platform for future growth in domestic and international markets.
A Distinctive English Whisky Category
The English Whisky GI reflects the unique character of the English Whisky sector. It recognises a category shaped by England’s climate, local water, modern production techniques and a spirit of innovation.
The specification includes features that distinguish English Whisky from other UK whisky categories, including the use of 100% UK-grown grain and flexibility around maturation and production methods. It also reflects the collaborative and innovative approach that has helped define the category since the revival of English Whisky production in 2003.
English Whisky Today
English Whisky is one of the fastest-growing spirits categories in the UK.
More than 70 distilleries are laying down English Whisky.
More than 40 distilleries have products available to consumers.
English Whisky is exported to more than 32 countries worldwide.
English producers have won some of the industry’s highest international awards in recent years.
Looking Ahead
To take advantage of this new protected status, English Whisky producers must first be verified under HMRC’s Spirit Drinks Verification Scheme.
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