Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has welcomed news that English Whisky has officially been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status.
The new protected status recognises the quality, heritage and distinctiveness of English whisky, helping to safeguard its reputation and support future growth in the sector.
Whittaker's Distillery, based at Dacre Banks near Harrogate, is a member of the English Whisky Guild, which led the successful application for GI status.
Sir Julian recently met Whittaker's founders Toby and Jane Whittaker at the Nidderdale Show and Great Yorkshire Show, having also visited the distillery previously to learn more about the business and its growing success.
Commenting, Julian said, "It's fantastic to see English Whisky receive this recognition. It's a real credit to the producers who have worked so hard to build the reputation of English whisky over recent years.
"Having visited Whittaker's Distillery and met Toby and Jane on several occasions, I know how much dedication goes into producing their whisky. This is excellent news for the business and for our local economy.
"Congratulations to the whole team at Whittaker's on helping secure this important milestone."
