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Sales of malt whisky in the UK have increased by almost a third, according to research by the the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

The WSTA figures showed 31% growth in the year to 30 April 2012, reports the Scottish Licensed Trade News.

Whisky makers are hopeful that this growth will be maintained and continue to match the export growth seen over recent years.

SLTN’s website quotes Rosemary Gallgher, of the Scotch Whisky Association, as saying: “It’s good to see that in the UK consumers are also increasingly developing a taste for Scotch, in particular they are deciding to drink malt Scotch whisky in restaurants, bars and clubs as well as at home.

“There’s an increasing number of specialist whisky bars opening across the UK and it seems that younger consumers are developing a taste for premium blends and malts, as is happening overseas.”