Recently, the UK designation for “Single Malt Welsh Whisky” was successfully registered under the UK Geographical Indication scheme, which will protect its name, authenticity and characteristics.
The UK’s Food and Farming Secretary, Therese Coffey, in a prepared statement recently announced the move, which gives Single Malt Welsh Whisky the same status as other Welsh products such as Gower Salt Marsh Lamb and Welsh Leeks.
In fact, it’s the first new UK spirit drink application to be registered and protected under the new scheme, which comes after Brexit, and it joins other classic British products receiving protection such as Scotch Whisky, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, and Cornish Clotted Cream.
The reason for the designation? So consumers can be confident that the product they are buying is genuine and the efforts of producers are protected from imitation products.
Single Malt Welsh Whisky dates back to 1887, and is made using malted barley and water of 100% Welsh origin. Only whiskies made in this way will receive the new Single Malt Welsh Whisky designation. And to receive the moniker, each part of the production process must take place in Wales, from brewing to bottling.
The prepared statement notes that the product is now registered to four distillers in Wales, who export to more than 45 countries including the U.S., France, Germany and China.
“It shows how the UK government is ready to get behind the best of British food and drink from across the nation, to boost sales at home and abroad, create jobs and grow our economy,” Coffey said.
Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Whisky, said this achievement of UKGI status for Single Malt Welsh Whisky is a significant milestone for his brand as a producer, but also for the wider Welsh whisky industry.
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“It assists in safeguarding both the quality of the product and also its source of origin,” he said. “It’s an exciting step forward and one that puts focus on an industry that has been growing steadily over the last 20 years.”
Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said Wales has a growing reputation for producing high-quality food and drink, “And I’m delighted that Welsh Whisky has now been recognized as deserving of this special status.”
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