What is Scotch Whisky?

A strict legal definition of Scotch Whisky has been in place for many years.   Today, Scotch Whisky is defined in UK law, and also protected at European Union and World Trade Organisation level as a recognised ‘geographical indication’. 

This legal protection is vitally important.   It protects Scotch Whisky from unfair competition and underpins Scotch Whisky’s reputation as being of the highest quality and integrity. 

The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009

The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 define Scotch Whisky in UK law.   Under the legislation, Scotch Whisky means whisky:

(a)  which has been produced at a distillery in Scotland from water and malted barley (to which only whole grains of other cereals may be added) all of which have been:

(i)  processed at that distillery into a mash;
(ii)  converted at that distillery to a fermentable substrate only by endogenous enzyme systems; and
(iii)  fermented at that distillery only by the addition of yeast;

(b)  which has been distilled at an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 94.8% so that the distillate has an aroma and taste derived from the raw materials used in, and the method of, its production; 

(c)  which has been wholly matured in an excise warehouse in Scotland in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 litres, the period of that maturation being not less than three years;

(d)  which retains the colour, aroma and taste derived from the raw materials used in, and the method of, its production and maturation, and to which no substance other than water and plain caramel colouring may be added.

Age statements on labels

When any age is mentioned on a label, it must only be that of the youngest whisky in the blend. 

For example, if a blend is described as being a twelve year old, the youngest whisky in the blend must have been matured for at least twelve years. 

When a vintage or distillation year is declared on a label, all the whisky in the product must have been distilled in that year.   The age of the whisky must be indicated by stating the bottling date or an age statement. 

Want to find out more?

 Scotch Whisky Regulations Guidance 2009 are the definitive rules governing the making, bottling, and labelling of Scotch Whisky.