New official protection for genuine Scotch whisky

A new scheme has been launched to protect the Scotch whisky industry from fake or sub-standard products.

The Spirit Drinks Verification Scheme has been set up by the UK government to help consumers identify genuine UK-made products.

Producers will have to sign up for the scheme if they want to sell within the European Union. Scotch Whisky is the first drink to be covered.

The industry said the measure would be “warmly welcomed”.

Protection under the new rules will in future be extended to other drinks with a geographical origin, such as Somerset Cider Brandy and whiskey from Northern Ireland.