Scotch whisky is malt whisky or grain whisky (or a blend of the two). Scotch whisky must, by law, be distilled and matured in Scotland in oak casks for at least three years and bottled at a minimum alcoholic strength of 40% abv.

The robust legal protection of Scotch whisky has grown over time which is essential to ensure a globally recognised high-quality drink.

The first definition of Scotch in UK law was secured by 1933, with a dedicated Scotch Whisky Act in 1988 and new Scotch Whisky Regulations in 2009.