Single malt Welsh whisky gets UK GI status

Single malt Welsh whisky has been successfully registered under the UK Geographical Indication (UK GI) scheme today (24 July), which protects its name, authenticity and characteristics.

Food and farming secretary Thérèse Coffey announced the move, which gives single malt Welsh whisky the same status as other Welsh fare.

It is the first new UK spirit drink application to be registered and protected under new scheme, which was established in 2021 following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. It ensures that certain food and drink products can continue to receive legal protection against imitation and misuse.

Single malt Welsh whisky joins other classic British products receiving protection, such as Scotch whisky.

“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,” said Coffey.

“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.

“I look forward to meeting some of the distillers at the Royal Welsh Show and celebrating this unique product’s wonderful history.”

Single malt Welsh whisky is said to make a ‘significant contribution’ to the food and drink economy of Wales and is now one of Wales’ most influential exports, currently being exported to more than 45 countries.

It is forecast to generate a revenue of £23 million (US$29.5m) in the current financial year including domestic, export, and travel retail sales.

Welsh distilleries

Four Welsh distilleries were part of the final application for PGI status: Penderyn, In the Welsh Wind, Da Mhile, and Coles.

Co-owner and director of In the Welsh Wind Distillery, Ellen Wakelam said: “The announcement of the single malt Welsh whisky PGI status is a great milestone for us, and recognises the hard work put in by all the distilleries involved.

“Not only does it place single malt Welsh whisky within the wider Welsh GI family of iconic products, giving consumers an understanding of the provenance and integrity of the product they are buying, it contributes to food tourism and Welsh food heritage, both of which are incredibly important to Wales.

“Our own Welsh Origin Whisky sits firmly within the single malt Welsh whisky PGI status. The processes we’ve developed over the last couple of years to ensure all aspects of production take place here in Wales have allowed us to reduce the amount of energy we use in our own whisky production.

“Excitingly, research we’re carrying out with the Open University suggests that our local barley and on site malting combines to produce a whisky that will have a flavour profile unique to the area of Wales where the barley is grown.“

Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Whisky, described the achievement as a “significant milestone” for the wider Welsh whisky category.

“It assists in safe-guarding both the quality of the product, and also its source of origin,” he added. “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 recognised as deserving of this special status.

“UK GI status is really important for distillers and helps them market this fantastic product around the world, and consumers know they are buying a unique product entirely made and bottled in Wales. All of this helps the industry to grow, supporting jobs and driving prosperity.”

Last year, 16 distillers formed the English Whisky Guild (EWG), and proposed a GI for English whisky.