Welsh whisky given special protected status to stop imitation and misuse

23 July 2023 , 23:01

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Single Malt Welsh Whisky has been given protected status (Image: Getty Images)

Single Malt Welsh Whisky producers are in high spirits after the drink was awarded protected status.

The whisky has been registered under the UK Geographical Indication scheme, which aims to protect produce from imitation and misuse.

The post-Brexit scheme offers a UK version of EU protected status, which covers Scotch whisky. Welsh whisky is the first spirit to be protected under the UK scheme, joining Gower Salt Marsh Lamb, Welsh Leeks, Melton Mowbray pork pies and Cornish clotted cream.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey will announce the whisky UKGI status today at the Royal Welsh Show.

She said: “Single Malt Welsh Whisky is widely acclaimed for its lightness of character and I am pleased to announce it will be the first protected spirit under our UKGI scheme.”

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King Charles, then Prince Charles, tasting Penderyn Whisky at a gala evening in Cardiff, Wales, in 2004 (Huw Evans/REX/Shutterstock)

Under the rules, every step of the production process must take place in Wales, from distilling to bottling.

Stephen Davies, of Penderyn Whisky, based in the Brecon Beacons, said: “The achievement of UKGI status for Single Malt Welsh Whisky is a significant milestone for Penderyn as a producer, but also for the wider Welsh whisky industry.

“It assists in safeguarding both the quality of the product and also its source of origin.

“It’s an exciting step forward, one that puts focus on an industry that has been growing steadily over the last 20 years.”

Lizzy Buchan