SPIR3250 - Law, Policy and Application - Whisk(e)y definitions

Whisky or whiskey is defined as

Law

a spirit drink produced exclusively by carrying out all of the following production operations: The final distillate, to which only water and plain caramel (for colouring) may be added, shall retain the colour, aroma and taste it derived from the production process referred to in points (i), (ii) and (iii).

(i)     distillation of a mash made from malted cereals, with or without whole grains of unmalted cereals, which has been:

—          saccharified by the diastase of the malt contained therein, with or without other natural enzymes,

—          fermented by the action of yeast;

(ii)     each and every distillation is carried out at less than 94,8 % vol., so that the distillate has an aroma and taste derived from the raw materials used;

(iii)     maturation of the final distillate for at least three years in wooden casks not exceeding 700 litres capacity. Regulation (EU) 2019/787 Annex I categories of spirit drinks

Policy and Application

Self explanatory.

Regulation (EU) 2019/787 lays down the definition, description and presentation of spirit drinks. All whisky or whiskey manufactured in or imported into Great Britain and Northern Ireland must conform to the definition laid down in this regulation.