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# English Whisky Gets Geographical Indication Protection
- URL: https://bevnews.net/in-brief-3/
- Published: 2026-09-17T08:00:17.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-17T08:00:17.000Z
- Author: Joel Whitaker
- Tags: Regulations

English whisky has been granted Geographical Indication status under the UK Spirits Drinks Geographical Indications Scheme, giving the category legal protection along with Scotch Whisky, Single Malt Welsh Whisky and Irish Whisky.

English Whisky must use cereal grain grown in the UK and English water. It must be distilled in England from wort created in England, at less than 94.8% ABV, before being matured in England for at least three years.

Maturation must take place in wooden casks with a maximum capacity of 700 litres, with the finished whisky bottled at no less than 40% ABV. Plain caramel, E150a, is the only permitted additive and can be used solely for colouring.

The requirement that all cereal grain is grown in the UK is, according to the EWG, unique among the UK’s whisky GIs.