CWA responds to industry concerns

The Cask Whisky Association (CWA) has responded to industry concerns about impartiality that have been raised by members of the trade this week.

Following its launch on 21 September, members of the whisky trade have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the CWA.

The concerns shared with The Spirits Business included the association’s “lack of transparency and accountability”, as well as the absence of prominent whisky distillers and companies “at the table”.

In response to the concerns raised, Colin Hampden-White, chair of the advisory board of the CWA, has “welcomed the opportunity” to clarify matters relating to governance of the Association.

In a letter to The Spirits Business, he wrote: “Last week, after many months of discussion with organisations across the whisky sector, we proudly announced the launch of the Cask Whisky Association. From our very first discussions, the association has had a simple, but critical mission: to help create a safer environment for whisky enthusiasts and customers to buy and sell casks.

“Those within the sector are well-aware of the issues that have plagued this industry for years. The CWA has been founded out of the very real frustration and fatigue from seeing our industry tarnished by fraud and malpractice. It’s bad for the industry, it’s bad for consumers, and it poses a serious risk to the long-term sustainability of the Scotch whisky market.

“In the absence of formal regulation, the CWA is the first body to mobilise and do something about this. Already, we have engaged policy makers and other relevant stakeholders and authorities at the highest level to highlight the dangers posed by dishonest and unscrupulous players in the industry. Our objective is to influence relevant legislation.

“While our launch has been widely celebrated by many in the industry, we have received some enquiries asking us to clarify matters relating to governance of the association. We welcome the opportunity to clarify these.

“The Cask Whisky Association is a membership organisation and is accepting applications from any cask whisky trading businesses who operate in the UK. It is overseen and governed by an independent cross-industry advisory board, made up of individuals from distilleries and independent bottlers, as well as whisky experts, authors and legal and insurance professionals working in the sector.

“This advisory board plays a crucial role in ensuring the independence and impartiality of the association. They will oversee governance of the association, which includes vetting potential members and reviewing any decisions taken by the members.

“We are excited that so many people within the cask whisky community have expressed their interest and support for the association. Since last Thursday, we have received and are reviewing applications from more than 20 prospective members. We have a thorough vetting process for new members which we will be taking each application through.

“I believe we share a common goal with the vast majority of those involved in this sector: to protect consumers by creating a fair and equal environment to buy and sell casks of whisky.

“To this end, we are always welcoming of feedback and are available to answer any further questions that members of the industry may have. If any whisky professionals would like to get in touch, please do not hesitate to contact us.”