English Whisky has officially been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, effective from September 11, 2026. This new protection means that whisky labelled as "English Whisky" or "English Whiskey" must adhere to specific geographic and manufacturing regulations under HMRC's Spirit Drink Verification Scheme. These rules include using 100 per cent UK-grown cereal grain and English-sourced water.
The introduction of GI status is seen as a significant step for English Whisky as a category, which has seen the number of distilleries roughly double since 2022 to over 70 today, with exports reaching 30 countries. Northumberland is home to innovative producers, including Ad Gefrin, the world's first whisky distillery and contemporary museum, located in Wooler.
Ad Gefrin, which draws Cheviot water from beneath its site, has already received three International Wine & Spirits Competition awards in 2024. The distillery launched its first Northumbrian single malt, the Crǣft Series, on July 31, 2026, as a limited release of approximately 1,200 bottles, with a wider release planned for 2027.
Another Northumberland producer, Hepple Gin, is also making its mark. The distillery, housed in an old barn on the Hepple Estate, uses a unique distillation process combining a standard copper pot still, vacuum distillation, and the Supercritical CO₂ Extraction Method to create its juniper-led gin.