Stories
Whisky is a passion to explore. From the history of the spirit to the evolution of the industry, the story of whisky helps fuel that passion. Often, it’s easy to forget that whisky is also a global multibillion dollar industry. The stories of whisky — from news and new releases to in-depth inquires and what goes on behind the label — blend together to help us appreciate the spirit of whisky.
Lack of “Single Malt” Definition has Australian Distillers Arguing
Australia’s lack of an official definition for “single malt” has Australian distillers upset after two maverick drinks makers have started marketing very young spirit as “single malt.” The Excise Act 1901 sets a two-year minimum maturation for whisky, and bans anything younger than that from being labeled as whisky.
The law has no official designation for “single malt,” and the Sydney Morning Herald reports that Victoria’s Mountain Distilling and Goodfradigbee Distillers of Sydney are taking advantage of the loophole. Both use accelerated maturation techniques said to give their young spirit the flavor and appearance of mature whisky after just 10 to 14 days.
Mountain Distilling co-founder Michael Harris told the Herald they “borrowed the terminology in order to provide customers with an association to a like product that they will understand.”
He wants the legal definition of whisky expanded to include new technology that allows spirit to be matured in days instead of years.
Manly Spirits co-founder Vanessa Wilton told the Herald that labeling spirit as “single malt” could be seen as misleading or confusing to the consumer.
Australian Distillers Association chief executive Paul McLeay said many within the industry believe the use of “single malt” in this case is misleading and the term should only be used in referring to mature whisky.
May 14, 2023
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