Scotch Whisky Association Drops Suit Against Virginia Distillery Co.

The Scotch Whisky Association is dropping a federal lawsuit against Virginia Distillery Co., according to the Associated Press.

The lawsuit claimed that the Virginia Distillery Co. had engaged in “false, misleading and deceptive” labeling of whiskey sold under the brand name “Virginia-Highland Whisky.” The suit claimed that the use of the words “Highland” and “whisky” falsely implied the Virginia-based product was a Scotch whisky.

According to the AP, Virginia Distillery CEO Gareth Moore issued a statement saying the company is working toward an amicable resolution with the Scotch Whisky Association. In a prior note to fans on the distillery’s website, Moore defended the name of the whiskey. “Our independent distillery launched the Virginia-Highland Whisky series over three years ago,” Moore wrote. “Our production process pays tribute to both old world and new world techniques while taking advantage of our location and the climate provided by Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Our label clearly indicates the source of our whisky, stating “Whisky from Scotland, Married with Virginia Whisky”, and we have always been upfront in descriptions to our customers.”

Read more about American single malt whiskey in the premiere issue of Craft Spirits Magazine.