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Course introduction
The making of
malt whisky
Types and styles
of Scotch Whisky
The law and
Scotch Whisky
Other whiskies
Tasting Scotch
Whisky
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The law and Scotch Whisky

Scotch Whisky has been defined in UK law since 1909 and recognised in EU legislation since 1989. Various amendments and additions have been made over the years. The most recent is The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 which came into force on 23rd November 2009.

Whereas the previous legislation governed the production of Scotch Whisky, the new regulations include how the Scotch Whisky must be labelled, packaged, and advertised, as well as requiring all single malt Scotch Whisky to be bottled in Scotland from 2012.

Needless to say the legislation is couched in lengthy and comprehensive legal language. The following section highlights the most important rules.