ویسکی انگلیسی با حمایت بریتانیا پیشرفت می‌کند؛ اسکاتلندی‌ها ناراضی

A growing cadre of English distillers have won protected status for their liquor, a move that could help them compete with Scotch whisky. But Scotch producers fear that will confuse consumers and dilute the brand’s reputation.

The designation, granted by the U.K. government, means that only whisky made in England, using water from English sources and produced according to certain standards, can be labeled as “English whisky.” It’s a similar system to the one that protects Scotch whisky, which can only be made in Scotland.

“This is a fantastic day for English whisky,” said Mark Driver, the owner of the English Whisky Company, one of the first distilleries to receive the protected status. “It recognizes the quality and craftsmanship of our whisky and will help us to build our brand internationally.”

But the Scotch Whisky Association, which represents the vast majority of Scotch whisky producers, is not pleased. The association argues that the new designation will confuse consumers, who may assume that English whisky is the same as Scotch whisky.

“We are concerned that this will dilute the reputation of Scotch whisky, which is a globally recognized and highly respected brand,” said a spokesperson for the association. “We believe that consumers should be able to clearly distinguish between Scotch whisky and whisky made elsewhere.”

The debate over English whisky highlights the growing competition in the whisky market. In recent years, whisky production has been booming in countries around the world, including the United States, Japan, and India. This has led to increased competition for market share and a greater need for producers to differentiate their products.

The U.K. government has defended its decision to grant protected status to English whisky. A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said that the designation will help to support the growth of the English whisky industry and create jobs.

“We are proud to support the English whisky industry, which is a growing part of our economy,” the spokesperson said. “This designation will help to protect the quality and authenticity of English whisky and will help to promote it to consumers around the world.”