Scotch Whisky Regulations-What Would You Change?

[Deleted User] · December 10 2016 at 3:31AM

If you could change or add one rule in the Scotch Whisky Regulations-2009 (see link below), what would it be? I am still thinking....

http://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/media/12744/scotchwhiskyregguidance2009.pdf

[Deleted User] · December 10 2016 at 11:47PM

@Carlton

I initially thought there was a lot of low-hanging fruit with this subject, but changing anything can always have unforeseen consequences. One rule that could be changed with a minimum of risk to the integrity of Scotch whisky would be to ban the use of E150a in all single malts.

[Deleted User] · December 11 2016 at 4:32AM

Carlton said:

If you could change or add one rule...

If I'm limited to only one, I would probably prohibit the use of colorant (E150a caramel color).

If I was allowed to make additional changes, then:
Chill filtering is prohibited;
Age statements are mandatory;
All Scotch must be aged for at least 10 years (including blends);
All Scotch must be bottled at 46% ABV or higher (including blends);
All blends must contain at least 35% of one or more single malts;
All blends must label the types and amounts of single malts included;
Casks can only be used twice (after the initial fill of bourbon, sherry, etc.) and only once more after rejuvenation.

Slàinte_Mhath · December 11 2016 at 12:05PM

@to_e_or_not_to_e

I certainly support the ban of additional colour (E150a) and chill filtration. However, Blended Scotches are made for a different market, so I see no point in strict regulations here.

I disagree on the 10 years requirement, especially when talking about peated Single Malts. 8 years can be perfectly fine, or even 5 years as in the case of Octomore. I'd be satisfied with an age statement, no matter if it's 5, 8 or 10 years.