The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), Irish Whiskey Association and Welsh Whisky Association have released a joint statement following an appeal lodged by the SWA in response to the recent approval by the UK government of a “Geographical Indication” (GI) for English “whisky”.

“We hoped that a mutually beneficial resolution could be found to both protect the integrity of the Single Malt category and allow the English GI to proceed,” said the statement.

“Despite efforts to find an agreement, including offering compromises to the English Whisky Guild, our Associations remain concerned about inconsistencies in approving the English Whisky GI, both in terms of process and future practice.

“The whisk(e)y producers we represent have a proud, long-standing and unrivalled tradition of making world-class whisk(e)y.

“We want to see high-quality definitions, which underpin a high-quality Single Malt category enjoyed by millions around the world.”

The Scotch whisky industry has attacked the UK government’s controversial decision to grant geographical indication (GI) status to English “whisky” arguing that new rules in England risk hurting the reputation of the most valuable goods export of Scotland and the UK.

In 2025, Scotch Whisky exports were worth £5.36 billion, accounting for 72% of Scottish food and drink exports and 21% of all UK food and drink exports.

More than 41,000 people are supported by the Scotch Whisky industry in Scotland and a further 25,000 across the UK. Scotch Whisky’s contribution to the UK economy reached £7.1 billion in 2022.

UK ministers recently approved legal protection for English whisky, bringing it in line with Scotch, Welsh and Irish counterparts.

The change means “English Whisky” and “English Whiskey” will be legally protected names under the UK Spirit Drinks Geographical Indications (GI) scheme.

The Scotch Whisky Association said single malt Scotch whisky must be mashed, fermented and distilled at a single distillery in Scotland. It said some processes involved in producing English single malt “whisky” can take place outside the primary distillery.