Welsh Whisky given protected status

Single Malt Welsh Whisky was successfully registered under the UK Geographical Indication (UKGI) scheme today (24 July) –  protecting its name, authenticity and characteristics.

UK Food and Farming Secretary Therese Coffey announced the move, which gives Single Malt Welsh Whisky the same status as other Welsh fare like Gower Salt Marsh Lamb and Welsh Leeks, today at the Royal Welsh Show.

It is the first new UK spirit drink application to be registered and protected under new scheme – created after Brexit – and joins other classic British products receiving protection such as Scotch Whisky, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Cornish Clotted Cream.

This means consumers can be confident that the product they are buying is genuine and the efforts of producers are protected from imitation products.Dating back to 1887, Single Malt Welsh Whisky is made using malted barley and water of 100% Welsh origin and with the new protection only whiskies made in this way can be call Single Malt Welsh Whisky.

The product is registered to four distillers in Wales, who together export to over 45 countries worldwide including the USA, France, Germany and China.

Each step of the production process must take place in Wales, from brewing to bottling.

The moderate and damp Welsh climate allows for an even rate of maturation, producing a smooth and refreshing flavour.

Today, most Welsh distilleries still have their own well or borehole to take advantage of Wales’s fames fresh and high-quality water.

UK Food and Farming Secretary Therese Coffey MP said:“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 at the Royal Welsh Show.

“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.”

This is the first new UK spirit to achieve GI status since the UKGI was launched and also becomes Wales’s first GI spirit.

Single Malt Welsh Whisky is now the 20th member of the Welsh GI family of products, joining the likes of other great produce such as Anglesey Sea Salt PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI Welsh Lamb, PGI Welsh Beef and Welsh Leeks PGI. 

The UK GI scheme was established at the beginning of 2021, following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, and ensures certain food and drink products can continue to receive legal protection against imitation and misuse.

Wales’ whisky industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, since the revival and relaunch of a ‘Single Malt Welsh Whisky’ product by Penderyn distillery on 1 March 2004 and the demand for ‘Single Malt Welsh Whisky’ is increasing year on year.

The increase in Welsh Whisky producers has led to a collective of four Welsh distilleries being part of the final application for PGI status – Penderyn, In the Welsh Wind, Da Mhile, and Coles.

Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd, Lesley Griffiths, said: “It is brilliant news Single Malt Welsh Whisky has joined the Welsh GI family with it’s name now protected.

“The Welsh whisky industry continues to go from strength to strength, playing an important role in the food and drink sector here in Wales.

“I am very pleased for all those involved in gaining this prestigious status and ensures this fantastic product gains the recognition and prestige it deserves.”

Stephen Davies, Chief Executive at Penderyn said: “The achievement of UKGI status for Single Malt Welsh Whisky is a significant milestone for Penderyn as a producer, and also for the wider Welsh whisky industry.  It assists in safeguarding both the quality of the product and also its source of origin. 

“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 Conservative Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “The news that single malt Welsh whisky has been awarded PGI status is fantastic news for Welsh whisky and will showcase the best of what Wales has to offer.

“With the addition of this prestigious award, the whisky industry in Wales will receive a significant boost, along with benefits to the Welsh economy.

“I look forward to seeing some of the distillers at the Royal Welsh Show this week and congratulating them first-hand for their success in championing this unique Welsh product.”

Single Malt Welsh Whisky makes a significant contribution to the food and drink economy of Wales and is now one of Wales’ most influential exports, currently being exported to over 45 countries. 

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

Single Malt Welsh Whisky combines the long heritage of whisky production with an innovative approach to distilling, offering a broad range of flavours and styles.

Welsh whisky production is also important for tourism with all of the current Welsh distilleries open as tourist attractions.