The U.K. has amended certain parts of the Scotch Whisky Technical File, which dictates the processes and materials allowed in Scotch production.

 No other whisky style in the world is as tightly regulated as Scotch, so a change like this is a notable event.

The new rules deal with the types of casks permitted for maturing Scotch whisky, making certain criteria more explicit than before. Previously, there was no specific language about permitted cask types beyond regulations indicating material (oak) and size (no more than 700 liters), as well as a note that “most casks will previously have been used to mature other alcoholic beverages” with Bourbon being the most prevalent, followed by Sherry.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) monitors the industry and acts as an arbiter of the Technical File; in the past, it has kept tight rein on potential deviations from “traditional” Scotch flavor. Distillers who wanted to use casks outside of the usual Bourbon and wine/fortified wine casks—such as beer or Cognac—often consulted with the SWA to ensure their planned whiskies would be approved. These new clarifications will eliminate the need for many of those questions—notably by specifying which cask types are not allowed—an obvious benefit. Whisky Advocate has all the details.—Susannah Skiver Barton