Q&A: Scotch Whisky Cask Specification

What is the Scotch Whisky Product Specification?

The Scotch Whisky Product Specification is used by HMRC to ensure compliance with the main requirements for Scotch Whisky and is essential for maintaining Scotch Whisky’s Geographical Indication status in the UK and EU.

You can read the Product Specification in detail here.

What has changed?

An amendment to the Scotch Whisky Product Specification sets out the range of casks in which Scotch Whisky can be matured or finished.

Previously, Scotch Whisky could only be matured or finished in casks that had been traditionally used in the industry - bourbon, sherry, rum , wine, beer to name just a  few. Such casks will continue to be used but some flexibility has been introduced which potentially allows for the use of casks previously used to mature other spirits, as long as a number of conditions are met.

What are the conditions?

Scotch Whisky can only be matured  or finished in new oak casks or oak casks which were previously used to mature wine, beer/ale or spirits but not if those casks were previously used to mature

• wine, beer/ale or spirit produced from, or made with, stone fruits
• beer/ale which has had fruit, flavouring or sweetening added after fermentation
• spirit which has had fruit, flavouring or sweetening added after distillation

So I can’t use cider casks for maturation or finishing of Scotch Whisky?

Cider is not a beer/ale, wine or spirit, so would not be allowed.

So if the cask meets all these conditions it is now allowed?

Not necessarily.

Firstly, even if it meets the above conditions, any previous maturation must have been part of the traditional process for the alcoholic beverage concerned, and

Secondly and importantly, even if a cask does meet these requirements, all casks used must still result in a spirit which has the taste, aroma and colour generally found in Scotch Whisky.

So that would rule out maturation in gin casks?

Correct – maturation is not a traditional process to make gin.

How will the ‘taste aroma and colour’ test be determined?

The law requires Scotch Whisky to retain the colour, taste and aroma which is derived from its production process and protects the reputation of Scotch Whisky against the adoption of practices which would damage that reputation.  If a problem is identified, the SWA’s legal team will investigate whether all the legal requirements have been met and will draw upon wider expertise from the industry when required.

What if I’m not sure?

If any individual or company is considering using a cask which could be regarded as novel in the production of Scotch Whisky, it is strongly recommended to contact the SWA’s legal team at legal@swa.org.uk - all such enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.