The team at Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery is celebrating the news that the English Whisky Guild’s application for protected geographical indication (GI) status for English whisky has been approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Hunmanby-based Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, one of the founding members of the English Whisky Guild, welcomes the news that consumers now have a guarantee that English Whisky is produced from UK grain and English water, and is distilled and matured in England.
“This GI has been painstakingly developed over a number of years, to protect the quality, integrity and focus on provenance and flavour that has defined English Whisky over the past two decades,” said Jenni Ashwood, marketing director at Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery.
“It provides a robust framework from which the category can flourish and thrive long into the future.
“As farmers, as well as distillers, we’re particularly pleased that the GI stipulates that to be labelled an ‘English whisky’ it must be made from UK cereal grain, thereby directly supporting British agriculture.”
English whisky is the fastest-growing UK spirit, with a market worth £1 billion.
Spirit of Yorkshire’s MD, David Thompson, added: “Congratulations to the team at the English Whisky Guild for their work on this important GI application that has established a legal definition of English whisky in line with the three other UK nations. English whisky is the fastest-growing UK spirit, with a market worth £1 billion, and makes a valuable contribution to both the economy and tourism, so the protection afforded by GI status is very welcome.”
“The UK is home to world-class whisky production, from grain to glass. Standing proudly alongside Scotch, Welsh and Irish whiskies, this new protected status is recognition of English Whisky’s distinctive character alongside the expert craftsmanship that goes into its production. It’s a milestone that will be felt far beyond the distillery gates, bringing jobs, investment and pride to communities across the country,” said Environment Secretary Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle MP.
Spirit of Yorkshire is one of five whisky distilleries in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. It is one of only a handful of distilleries worldwide that grows 100% of its regeneratively farmed barley used to produce its whisky.
The English Whisky Guild was formed in 2022. Its vision is for English whisky to be recognised globally as a respected choice for whisky drinkers.
