Scotch Whisky (Scotland)
Legal basis: UK Scotch Whisky Regulations
Key requirements
- Produced and matured in Scotland
- Aged minimum 3 years in oak casks
- Distilled from water and malted barley (grain whiskies may include other cereals)
- No additives except water and caramel coloring (E150a)
Primary subcategories
- Single Malt Scotch - One distillery, malted barley only
- Single Grain Scotch - One distillery, other grains allowed
- Blended Malt Scotch - Blend of single malts
- Blended Grain Scotch - Blend of single grains
- Blended Scotch Whisky - Malt + grain whiskies
Irish Whiskey (Ireland)
Legal basis: Irish Whiskey Act / EU GI
Key requirements
- Produced on the island of Ireland
- Typically triple-distilled (not mandatory)
- Aged minimum 3 years in wood
Primary subcategories
- Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey - Malted + unmalted barley
- Single Malt Irish Whiskey
- Single Grain Irish Whiskey
- Blended Irish Whiskey