Debate on Scotch whisky is healthy:?our industry is full of people who are passionate about their products.
But some of that passion has led to statements about the Government's proposed new Scotch whisky regulations that have misinformed and clouded informed discussion.
The term “blended malt” has prompted particular debate. However the vast majority agree it to be the best way to describe the product clearly and accurately to consumers worldwide. Consumers understand that blending means mixing; and distillers using the term report no evidence of confusion. Under EU law, any combination of malt whiskies is already defined as a “blend”.
If we are to tackle alcohol-related issues we must accept price is the biggest lever
One distiller opposes the term because he is selling a “Malt Scotch Whisky”, which sometimes contains a single malt and sometimes a blend. That is, the same label appears on different products. Another has previously used “blended malt” on one of his brands. Others have suggested “blends” are somehow inferior. We don't accept that.
The regulations place the consumer at their core and take account of the whole industry: large and small distillers, blends and singles. The assertion that a single malt distillery name can appear as the brand name of a blended malt, for example, is incorrect.
The regulations offer a unique opportunity to promote all Scotch whiskies. We plan to do just that.
David Williamson is public affairs manager at the Scotch Whisky Association
Just who makes up this majority who support the term blended malt? Let's see the data and the sample. Certainly among whisky writers and connoisseurs there has been overwhelming rejection of the term (as Harpers poll, among many, suggests).
If we are to tackle alcohol-related issues we must accept price is the biggest lever
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