A bill has been tabled in Alberta to define the whisky made in the Canadian province.

Legislators in the Canadian province have made the move to “protect the unique quality” of Alberta’s whisky.

In a statement, the bill’s proponents said Alberta’s whisky sector has “grown steadily and is earning national recognition for quality and craftsmanship”.

They added: “However, without a provincial definition, Alberta producers have struggled to gain recognition of their products from broader Canadian whisky, which operates under more flexible federal standards.”

Under the proposed Alberta Whisky Act, Alberta Whisky would be mashed, fermented, aged, proofed, bottled in Alberta. The whisky would be made from only Alberta water pre-distillation. Any wine or spirits blended into the whisky must be at least two years old.

According to the provincial government, there are 45 whisky distillers in Alberta, of which 43 are “small, craft distillers”.

Participation would be voluntary. Distillers could continue producing other whisky products that do not meet the definition of Alberta Whisky.

“The world wants more of everything Alberta has to offer. Our distillers craft some of the finest whisky in the world, using the highest quality ingredients that only Alberta can offer. This legislation would ensure Alberta distillers have the recognition they need to flourish on the world stage,” Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said.

Carl Bricker, the president and CEO of trade association Spirits Canada, added: “The Alberta Whisky Actis a landmark step to showcase Alberta’s whiskies globally. Spirits Canada is proud to have helped shape this initiative and looks forward to supporting its successful rollout.”