New EU Whisky Law

Today (June 19th), The Scotch Whisky Association announced that the European Parliament voted and approved clearer EU rules on whisky production, which includes improved protection for Scotch Whisky

The approved regulations include a wide range of improvements to existing EU spirit drinks law, including a clearer legal definition of ‘whisky’, which will assist whisky distillers to tackle unfair and misleading practices overseas.

Nick Soper, the SWA’s European Affairs Director, commented:

Improved EU protection for the traditional way of making Scotch Whisky is a significant step forward. It will be easier to protect Scotch from unfair practices, supporting export success and the jobs that depend on that continued success.

Throughout our campaign, the SWA has welcomed the support of the European Commission, Scottish Executive, UK Government and MEPs. Working together, we have secured an important result for Scottish distillers and the highest level of protection for Scotch Whisky and consumers.”

I spoke with David Williamson of the SWA early this morning, and we discussed the potential future impacts of the new regulations.

While the actual final verbiage has not been released, David was happy that the SWA/UK proposed rules were approved which will make it easier to ensure national rules on Scotch whisky are enforced across the 27 EU Member States. Reflecting traditional practice, the new law, for example, makes it explicit that "whisky" cannot be flavoured or sweetened - this does not prevent the continued production of whisky liqueurs - it simply means that they can not be presented as "whisky" without a qualifier.

I asked David about legal and regulatory specifics in regards to labeling when a Scotch Whisky is theoretically mixed with an alcohol that may not meet the EU definition of whisky. David promised to get back to me on this. . . I'll follow up with the SWA response once I receive it.