English Whisky: Single Malt Definition Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Douglas Lumsden
Main Page: Douglas Lumsden (Conservative - Aberdeen South)Department Debates - View all Douglas Lumsden's debates with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
English Whisky: Single Malt Definition
Douglas Lumsden Excerpts(3 weeks, 4 days ago)
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Stephen Morgan
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his long-standing support for the Scotch whisky industry, including as Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. I know that he recognises the significant contribution that whisky plays to our national identity and as a global export opportunity. I can assure him that nothing has changed in terms of the protected status reputation or production requirements of Scotch whisky. I am looking forward to meeting him later today, when I will be happy to answer any further questions he may have.
Douglas Lumsden (Aberdeen South) (Con)
The definition of a Scotch single malt whisky is that it must be mashed, fermented and distilled at a single distillery in Scotland, but for English single malt, some of those steps may happen away from the single site. Does the Minister not feel that it would be better to have a consistent definition of a single malt whisky, and that that would be easier for consumers to understand?
Stephen Morgan
It is worth me saying that the rules and requirements to use the protected name for English whisky and its sub-categories, including the single malt, are determined by product specification. This document is produced by the applicant—in this case, the English Whisky Guild—and reflects traditions and practices of the English whisky sector. The English whisky product specification is compliant with all applicable UK legislation, and I am very happy to write to him on the specific points that the hon. Member raises.