No more necking as 10ml Scotch measures allowed

People visiting distilleries in Scotland’s most productive whisky region will no longer have to drink full 25ml measures when they want to try a Scotch.

Scotch fans will be allowed to try small 10ml measures rather than being served the full 25ml at Speyside distilleries and tastings (Photo: Wiki)

New rules announced by Moray Council, the region that encompasses the Speyside Scotch-making area, will allow measures smaller than the standard 25ml for the first time.

The law change applies to distillery tours, food festivals and tastings in the north-eastern region, and will allow producers or fair organisers to apply to police to be exempt from the 25ml serving rule.

Moray’s dozens of Scotch distilleries will be allowed to serve 10ml measures, as will the annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which runs from 28 April to 2 May.

Rhona Gunn, Moray Council’s director of economic development, infrastructure and planning, told the BBC: “In Moray Speyside we have half the total number of distilleries that exist in Scotland, so it’s appropriate that we should be taking the lead on this.

“The guidance says that where whisky is supplied in the context of a genuine whisky tasting event, and the marketing and other information provided to customers makes it clear that sample measures will be provided, then it is unlikely that the council’s trading standards service would take the view that full measures were required.

“Police Scotland will assess the need for a licence on a case-by-case basis with a pragmatic view being adopted where appropriate.

“This applies to any tours, tutored tastings and events where alcohol is dispensed as part of the overall package”.

James Campbell, of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: “This guidance from Moray Council will greatly enhance the experience of visitors attending our events.