Pure malt is now banned

RIGHT BLEND FOR SCOTCH AS NEW WHISKY LAW COMES INTO FORCE

On Nov 23rd 2009 Scotch Whisky Regulations covering every aspect of the making, bottling, and labelling of Scotch Whisky come into force.

The key provisions of the new law include:

Five categories of Scotch Whisky are defined for the first time; Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Single Grain Scotch Whisky, Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Blended Grain Scotch Whisky, and Blended Scotch Whisky.

These compulsory category sales terms will be required to appear clearly and
prominently on all labels.

A requirement to only bottle Single Malt Scotch Whisky in Scotland.
New rules to prevent the misleading labelling and marketing of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

A ban on the use of the term ‘Pure Malt’.

A ban on the use of a distillery name as a brand name on any Scotch Whisky which has not been wholly distilled in the named distillery.

Protection of five traditional whisky regions of production; Highland, Lowland, Speyside, Islay, and Campbeltown.

A requirement that Scotch Whisky must be wholly matured in Scotland.
Clear rules on the use of age statements on packaging.
Designation of HM Revenue & Customs as the verification authority for Scotch Whisky.

Read the News release:

http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/swa/files/ScotchRegulationsNov2009.pdf