Scotch whisky certification to nip Australian fakes in the bud

Scotland's whisky industry is toasting the registration of Scotch whisky as a certification trademark in Australia in a move that should help to put an end to counterfeit brands.

Australia is reportedly one of the worst offenders in the world in dealing in counterfeit spirits, with around 40 fake brands in Australia and up to two million fake bottles of whisky sold here since 2005.

Some Australian companies are diluting Scotch with other spirits and then trying to pass it off as whisky, while others add oak staves to cheap whiskies to try to make them taste older than they are.

Now, however, Scotch whisky has just been registered as a certification trademark in Australia after a lengthy push from The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

The certification trademark will make it easier to initiate civil proceedings against offenders, according to the SWA.

Scotch whisky used to be defined under Australian law, until the food standards code was replaced in 2000.

The legislation will protect Scotch Whisky exports, which make a significant contrition to Scotland's economy, and ensure Australians are drinking genuine, high quality product.