The Scottish Government has called for Scotch to be defined in UK law in order to protect whisky exports after Brexit.

Scotland’s Economy Secretary Keith Brown has written to UK ministers calling for protection of the Scotch whisky industry, in light of International Trade Secretary Liam Fox’s visit to the US this week.

The industry is worth around £4bn to Scotland in exports and an EU definition of whisky currently protects sales from sub-standard products.

Mr Brown said: “Aside from being a key part of Scottish culture and identity, our whisky industry supports around 20,000 jobs.

“The US made clear in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership discussions that they would support a relaxation of the definition of whisky, which would open the market up to a number of products which do not currently meet that standard.

“Whisky is a product which is worth around £4 billion to Scotland in exports.

“It is vital that we continue to have robust legal protection of Scotch whisky, which is why I have sought clarification from the UK Government as to whether Scotch whisky featured in discussions during last week's trade visit by the Secretary of State for International Trade.

“I am also demanding that the current EU regulations are guaranteed post-Brexit.

Travel by numbers: Scotch whisky Show all 2 1 /2 Travel by numbers: Scotch whisky Travel by numbers: Scotch whisky 169308.bin An average of 12 casks of whisky - holding about 2,000 litres of alcohol - are produced each week at Edradour, Scotland's smallest distillery, located near Pitlochry in Perthshire Getty Images Travel by numbers: Scotch whisky 169309.bin The Rothes distillery, founded in 1879, is normally closed to the public but is opening as part of the Speyside Festival celebrations (spiritofspeyside.com). The tours end with a complimentary tasting of the Glenrothes Select Reserve. Call 0131 555 5522 to book a place. Getty Images

“After reports this week that the UK Government is contemplating trade deals that threaten the value and reputation of Scottish produce, once again we can see the confusion which is at the heart of the UK Government's Brexit position.

“We need to be sure that any future deals work for Scotland and are not threatening the livelihoods of our farmers and producers.

“This is why all four UK governments should have oversight of the negotiations to ensure, as far as possible, that the right outcomes for everyone are secured.”

A UK Government spokeswoman said: “Scotch is a UK export success story and we will support the industry so that it continues to thrive and prosper post-Brexit.