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Scottish Craft Distillers Association unveils rebrand

Trade body the Scottish Craft Distillers Association has relaunched as the Scottish Distillers Association in order to appeal to a wider audience.

Alan Wolstenholme, chair of the Scottish Distillers Association (photo: Martin Windebank)

The rebranded national association, which currently has 21 members, has promised to create a “fresh set of objectives” that will promote Scotland as a “global centre of excellence in the creation of premium quality spirits”.

As part of its plan, the association intends to campaign to recruit more Scottish-based distillers but limit membership to those “who follow strict criteria” and join its accreditation programme.

To gain accreditation, distillers must: own and operate a still in Scotland; have a skilled and qualified named individual responsible for quality; distil and bottle spirits in Scotland; make reasonable claims in the place of naming of spirits; operate with an HMRC licence and in accordance with the Trades Description Act, Advertising Standards Authority and responsible drinking guidelines.

The Scottish Distillers Association hopes the criteria for joining the association will improve transparency in how Scottish spirits are created, allowing consumers to be better informed about the products they purchase.

Alan Wolstenholme, chair of the Scottish Distillers Association, said: “The distilling sector is going through an unprecedented boom, which brings opportunity but also a responsibility to set some essential guidelines for spirit production.

“In speaking to our members in the last few months, we have debated several issues affecting the sector and we have now agreed clearly defined objectives centred around the promotion and protection of our Scottish spirits sector.

“The relaunch allows us to broaden our remit across the spectrum of Scottish distillers, but most importantly we are pleased to have finalised our accreditation programme and the establishment of a quality marque.

“The accreditation will help consumers have confidence in the quality and craftsmanship which has gone into the spirit they are choosing.

“While whisky is already protected in law, we need to consider extending this into all our Scottish spirits to include gin, vodka, rum or even absinthe.”

In February this year, the formerly named Scottish Craft Distillers Association partnered with Scotland Food & Drink to create an alliance designed to protect “authentic” Scottish craft spirits and boost growth across the sector.

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