Protecting Scotch Whisky
What is Scotch Whisky?
The basic definition of Scotch Whisky can be found in the UK Law. In summary, Scotch Whisky is:
- Made in Scotland from only cereals, water and yeast
- Matured for a minimum of 3 years in oak casks
- Bottled at a minimum strength of 40% abv
- Distilled below 94.8% abv so that it retains the flavour and aroma derived from its raw materials
- No flavouring or sweetening is permitted
Meet the Legal Team
Our legal team is primarily responsible for the worldwide protection of Scotch Whisky.
At any one time, the team will be handling between 60 to 70 cases in courts around the world, many more investigations and a substantial trademark caseload.
At the end of 2023, our legal team reflected on some of their successes from the year that had been.
We spoke to the team at Glenturret Distillery on why protecting Scotch Whisky is so important.
Legal Protection in the UK
Protecting Scotch Whisky from unfair competition is therefore one of our top priorities. Strong legal protection forms the solid foundation on which the industry’s success is built.
Protecting Scotch Whisky outside the UK
As a registered "Geographical Indication" (GI) in many overseas markets including the EU, Scotch Whisky is protected from misuse, imitation, evocation and any other practice liable to mislead consumers.
Help us protect Scotch Whisky
Take a look a our guide on how to spot fake Scotch Whisky, and how to report it to the SWA Legal team
Q&A: Scotch Whisky Cask Specification
The legal requirements for Scotch Whisky have been be amended to broaden the casks allowed for maturation. Here we answer your questions.
Protecting Scotch Whisky news & commentary
SWA legal team toasts success in South Korea
In the first such case to use Scotch Whisky’s South Korean certification trade mark, which was granted in 2019, the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has successfully stopped the sale of fake Scotch Whisky which misleads consumers and damages legitimate trade.
Joint statement with Macaloney Brewer & Distillers Ltd
A joint statement with Macaloney Brewer & Distillers Ltd
Decision over Glen Buchenbach upheld by appeal court
The SWA has won the legal case against the use of 'Glen' in Germany.
SWA releases new guidance on personal investment in Scotch Whisky casks
The SWA has published guidance for individuals looking to invest in Scotch Whisky casks.
Scotch Whisky secures GI protection in Cambodia
Cambodia is the latest country in which Scotch Whisky's geographical indication is officially registered.
SWA legal team wins 'Team of the Year' award
The SWA has been recognised for its work to protect Scotch Whisky at an awards ceremony in Boston.
Protecting Scotch Whisky pages
Personal Investment in a Scotch Whisky Cask
Read our dedicated guidance for what to consider if you're thinking about investing in a cask of Scotch Whisky. Anyone quoting this guidance should not do so selectively and should provide clear links back to this page.