City whisky business under threat by rule change
BBCThe co-founder of Birmingham's first licensed whisky distillery says he fears for the future of his business after English whisky gained protected status.
Anthony Dillon, who runs Spirit of Birmingham in South Yardley with his sister, Joanie, said the new Geographical Indications (GIs) for English whisky could stop some producers describing their products as English single malt.
Protected status already applies to products including Cornish pasties, while campaigners are seeking similar protections for the Birmingham balti.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the status protects the reputation of English single malt whisky.
Under the UK government's GI classification confirmed last month, Malt English Whisky must be made using 100% malted barley, and the spirit must be batch distilled in a pot still, with sufficient copper contact in the vapour path.
Defra say it was developed by the industry and amended following consultations with objectors.
The department rejected claims the decision had been rushed.
"A public consultation gave anyone with an interest the chance to raise objections, and all were considered," a spokesperson said.
Spirit of Birmingham uses a stainless-steel still and Dillon said the rules mean the company will not be able to describe its product as single malt English whisky.
He told BBC Radio WM that every bottle produced by the distillery had been made without copper and described any move to retrofit copper equipment as "a backwards step".
He added: "We chose the sustainable approach, and by not using copper we eliminate toxic copper compounds in our waste products".
Protected whisky status would 'bring jobs'
Dillon was among seven objectors to the GI application and argued the rules were too restrictive and failed to reflect the diversity of English whisky-making.
In response, Defra said they could call their product 'English Whisky' or 'Single Malt Whisky', just not 'Single Malt English Whisky.'
The applicant, the English Whisky Guild said the GI had been developed over five years in consultation with 26 distilleries and Defra.
"We recognise not every producer will agree with every aspect of a GI specification," a spokesperson said.
The Guild said the requirement for copper contact was based on "well-established scientific evidence and industry understanding that copper plays an important role in shaping spirit character and flavour during distillation".
It added that the final specification was assessed and approved by Defra following consultation and consideration of the evidence received.
Defra said the protected status would bring "jobs, investment and pride to communities across the country".
On the announcement, Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said: "The UK is home to world-class whisky production, from grain to glass.
"Standing proudly alongside Scotch, Welsh and Irish whiskies, this new protected status is recognition of English Whisky's distinctive character alongside the expert craftsmanship that goes into its production."
Dillon said the company would appeal against the decision while it considers its future options.
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