New guidelines by BSI have been developed to ensure the production of whisky adheres to the highest standards of quality and provides consumers with confidence in the product. These guidelines, in the form of the new British Standard, aim to establish a trusted supply chain for one of the UK’s most valuable exports, whisky. By focusing on the quality of the product rather than just meeting minimum regulatory requirements, this standard will support distillers in producing whisky that meets the expectations of consumers both locally and globally.
Whisky is a significant export product for the UK, with sales to the US surpassing £1 billion in 2022 alone. The industry is growing worldwide, and new distillers continue to enter the market. It is crucial to ensure that producers can deliver the specific color, aroma, and taste derived from the raw materials and production process of whisky. The new standard, published by BSI, builds upon the expertise of Scottish, Welsh, English, and Irish whisky industries, making it the world’s first standard for whisky.
The voluntary standard, known as BS 8636, provides a detailed specification of the production process for the main categories of whisky traded globally. It is designed to assist distillers, both established brands and new entrants, in producing high-quality whisky for domestic and international markets. Utilizing this standard can help producers demonstrate the authenticity and quality of their products, thereby increasing consumer confidence. Furthermore, this standard can be adopted by distillers worldwide who seek to create a high-quality spirit that meets consumer expectations.
Scott Steedman, the director-general of standards at BSI, emphasized that this new standard for whisky encapsulates the distilling tradition that consumers and the industry value. The collaboration with whisky experts from the UK and Ireland has resulted in a consensus standard that defines the characteristics of a quality whisky. Steedman expressed hopes that this benchmark for quality will add value to distillers while instilling confidence in consumers worldwide. The standard’s application extends globally, facilitating the production and trade of high-quality whisky.
The new British Standard provides detailed guidance regarding the methods of analysis necessary to establish authenticity and consistency in the production process. It outlines the desired color of whisky, ranging from pale yellow/gold to deep amber/mahogany, which must be derived from caramel. The standard stipulates that whisky must be matured for a minimum of three years in wooden casks, without any sweeteners or additives. Additionally, it sets the minimum alcoholic strength by volume at 40% and recommends distillation be carried out at less than 94.8% volume to ensure the aroma and taste are derived from the raw materials used.
While the standard mentions “whisky nosing” as a process, it refrains from prescribing a specific glass shape, instead suggesting that tulip-shaped glasses are popular for this purpose due to their ability to collect aromas. Other important details relating to packaging, such as the consideration of animal products used in the production of other alcoholic beverages stored in the cask prior to whisky production, are also addressed.
BSI will manage the new standard through a dedicated technical committee that will revise and update it based on market feedback. Future plans include discussions with the committee regarding the possibility of using the standard as a base document for an international (ISO) standard.
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In conclusion, the introduction of the new British Standard for whisky production will enhance the quality and authenticity of whisky for both domestic and international markets. By prioritizing the quality of the product, this standard provides consumers with confidence in the whisky they purchase. It serves as a benchmark for distillers and helps create a trusted supply chain that contributes to the growth of the whisky industry worldwide.
