Scotland's economy minister has warned London against failing to safeguard the country's iconic beverage after Brexit. Roughly one-third of all exported Scotch arrives in EU countries, making the bloc its largest market.
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Scottish Economy Secretary Keith Brown on Sunday called on the British government to secure the status of Scotch whisky in the wake of the UK's exit from the EU.
In a letter addressed to British officials, Brown warned that failing to define Scotch whisky's status could threaten an industry worth roughly 4 billion British pounds (4.5 billion euros, $5.3 billion).
"Aside from being a key part of Scottish culture and identity, our whisky supports around 20,000 jobs," said Brown.
"It is vital that we continue to have robust legal protection of Scotch whisky, which is why I have sought clarification from the UK government as to whether Scotch whisky featured in discussions during last week's trade visit by the (US) Secretary of State for International Trade."
Special EU requirements
Under current EU legislation, whisky is clearly defined by a set of requirements, including that the alcoholic beverage must mature for at least three years in a barrel in order to retain the title of Scotch whisky.
10 reasons to visit Scotland
Natural beauty and brave people! The Scots say yes to Europe and welcome to tourists. There are a lot of reasons to visit the country.
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Edinburgh
The Scottish capital is over 1,300 years old and is packed with culture and history. The castle, the old town center, and the many museums make Edinburgh Scotland's most popular tourist destination.
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Scottish Parliament
A sight-seeing tour of Edinburgh should always include this futuristic building. The Scottish Parliament has been sitting here since 2004. On March 28, on the eve of the British government formally launching Brexit, a majority of delegates here supported a new Scottish independence referendum.
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The Highlands
Mountains, moors and sheer endless heaths: For centuries, the Highlands provided the backdrop for many battles for independence against the English. Back then, the clan chiefs used to retreat into the Highland. Today, hikers get to enjoy the region's tranquility and untouched nature.
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Hogwarts-Express
Those who don't want to hike can always hop on a train, like the Jacobite Steam Train, which is better known as the Hogwarts Express. The Harry Potter movies made this traditional train and the rough beauty of the Highlands world famous.
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Loch Ness
In Scotland a lake is called a "loch," and this one is thought to be home to Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, an aquatic being said to live in the lake. Nobody has actually seen it, but every year newspapers run stories of reported sightings. Far more real are the old stones of Urquhart Castle, one of Scotland's most beautiful castle ruins.
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The Highland Games
There are nearly 100 Highland Games events which all include curious disciplines like tug-a-war, the caber toss, and the stone-put. Here Scots prove that they are real men under their kilts! Originally, the Highland Games were part of Scottish clan gatherings. Today, they are popular public festivals for locals and tourists.
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Blair Castle
Scotland has more castles than inhabitants, and Blair Castle is one of the most beautiful. It was regularly renovated over the centuries, but its origins date back to the year 1269. It has 32 fully furbished rooms on show as well as an armory and a display of hunting trophies.
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Callanais Stone Circle
Who would have guessed that the Scotts were the inventors of stone circles! One of the most impressive, the Calanais Standing Stones, can be found on the Isle of Lewis. This gigantic monument encompassing 50 stones was created some 5,000 years ago. England's Stonehenge is a good 1,000 years younger and yet more famous. How did the English do that?
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Glasgow
These modern day monuments can be found in Glasgow. After the industrial decline, Scotland's biggest city reemerged with a new image. Modern architecture and design now define the cityscape. The Clyde district was developed on the old riverfront, which is where you'll find these buildings, the Hydro and Conference Centre, whose Clyde Auditorium was designed by Sir Norman Foster.
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Scottish whisky
It is called the "water of life" and it is Scotland's national drink. There are more than 100 whisky distilleries in Scotland and the list of the various types and blends seems never-ending. So all that remains to be said is "Slainte Mhath" - a local toast. And we say: here's to a wonderful travel destination and its very friendly people.
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However, during free trade talks under the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) framework, Washington expressed interest in relaxing the stringent definition of whisky to open the market.
Roughly 90 percent of Scotch whisky production is exported, of which one-third arrives in EU countries. The second-largest Scotch whisky market is the US.
In May, the Scotch Whisky Association warned that the continuing growth of the Scotch whisky industry was partially dependent on how well the government negotiated Brexit.
"We have been active in calling on the government to ensure the UK has as open a trade policy as possible, protects Scotch whisky and delivers change with the minimum of disruption," the association said.
