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Distillery slams new whisky laws

Published:  20 November, 2009

New laws governing the production of malt whisky in Scotland will make the industry less competitive and less environmentally friendly, according to Loch Lomond Distillery.

New laws governing the production of malt whisky in Scotland will make the industry less competitive and less environmentally friendly, according to Loch Lomond Distillery.

The distillery, which makes the UK's third most popular blended whisky, is lobbying against a new definition of Scotch malt whisky due to come into force on November 23, which says it must be produced using a traditional pot still.

The company produces the blended whisky High Commissioner using an energy-efficient column still, saving thousands of tons of C02 each year.

It says unless consumers lobby MPs to adapt the new regulations it may have to shut down some of its production process.

The company, which is based in Alexandria near Glasgow, says unless it uses a less efficient old fashioned pot still Loch Lomond will not be allowed to use the term "malt whisky".

"We have a method that produces a very good malt but we are being penalised,"
said distilling director John Peterson.

"Politicians are quick to shout about climate change and how industry has to
find new ways to conserve energy and reduce carbon output but when companies
like us try to do something innovate we get slapped down for it.

"We need a proper discussion on this. Our customers who enjoy good quality
whisky at reasonable prices, and who want to continue doing so, need to ask
their MP to object to the legislation before it's too late."

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