Why Are Spirit Definitions so LOOSE?!

We chat with Matt Bailey, the Australian Director of the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society (SMWS). We discuss the role of independent bottlers in the whiskey industry and the impact they have on distilleries.
Matt explains that independent bottlers often pioneer single malt whiskey by bottling spirits from distilleries before they release their own official bottlings.
We also discuss the growth of the Australian whiskey industry and the challenges faced by Australian distilleries in selling their casks to independent bottlers.
Matt emphasizes the importance of independent bottlings in expanding the appreciation of single malt whiskey and introducing consumers to unique and different expressions.
We explore the topic of excise tax on spirits in Australia and its impact on the local distilling industry since Australia has one of the highest excise tax rates in the world, which hinders the growth of Australian distilleries.
We also explore the concept of geographical indication (GI) in Australian whiskey and its potential to add value to the brand. The discussion highlights the challenges of defining and implementing GIs, particularly in relation to the diverse range of distilleries in Australia.