The Telegraph: England launched 'whisky war' against Scotland

Producers in Scotland have expressed discontent over the UK government's decision to grant English single malt whisky protected geographical indication status, Report informs referring to The Daily Telegraph.

Local Scotch producers intend to discuss the situation with representatives of the British government.

The status, similar to that already held by Scottish, Welsh, and Irish whiskies, was granted to the English drink last week.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), which represents around 90 companies including Glenmorangie, Johnnie Walker, and Diageo, believes that less stringent requirements were set for English whisky. Specifically, certain stages of production for English single malt whisky can be carried out outside the primary distillery. In contrast, rules for Scottish single malt whisky require mashing, fermentation, and distillation to occur at a single distillery in Scotland.

The newspaper characterized the dispute as a "whisky war" between London and Edinburgh. The disagreement unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing political friction between the British government and Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding affirming the regions' right to self-determination. The office of Prime Minister Andy Burnham rejected the possibility of holding independence referendums.