UK launches scheme to protect Scotch whisky industry from fake products

Saturday, January 11th 2014 - 07:54 UTC

Full article 9 comments

A new scheme has been launched to protect the Scotch whisky industry from fake or sub-standard products. The Spirit Drinks Verification Scheme has been set up by the UK government to help consumers identify genuine UK-made products. Read full article

Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules

Clyde15
A good move. It protects the producers and the consumers from dangerous look-a-like products. I remember 50 years ago, as a Customs and Excise Officer, I had to sign certificates of origin for Scotch Whisky exported to the USA.
Another feature was the introduction of ROPP caps on the bottles which prevented them from being refilled with local hooch and passed off as the genuine article. Some of the “refills” were of methyl alcohol which could destroy the eyesight of the drinker or kill them.
Strangely enough, it was the South American market where these caps were required.
Something needs to be done to protect the public from false marked products.
I can also remember the case where we - ( HM C&E )- found a consignment of Ferodo brake shoes from Hong Kong with the linings made of compressed cardboard !
Jan 11th, 2014 - 11:30 am - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
ChrisR
There have been plenty of schemes to protect the consumer and I for one will never buy electrical equipment without UK or European Approvals TESTS, not the self certification CE mark which appears to be the thing touted here.

But I am unique, even now in the UK. try asking an “associate” in one of the major electrical outlets in the UK if the product is Kitemarked and all you get is a gormless grin. It's pathetic the lack of training these people get.

”I can also remember the case where we - ( HM C&E )- found a consignment of Ferodo brake shoes from Hong Kong with the linings made of compressed cardboard !”

I am shocked, I tell you, shocked! You mean they are NOT compressed cardboard! :o)
Jan 11th, 2014 - 04:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Faz
There's a lot of fake Scotch around, sometimes they are not what they seem..

As well as the plethora of Scotch Single Malts, some of the Irish and Japanese ones are good too. There is now an English Whiskey and the Welsh are at it too. And of course our American cousins make many excellent Whiskeys to enjoy. Perhaps I missed something but I never saw local Whiskeys in Argentina?
Jan 11th, 2014 - 05:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
paulcedron
“UK launches scheme to protect Scotch whisky industry from fake products”
uk should launch scheme to finish with its colonialism, tax havens and smugglers paradises.
Jan 11th, 2014 - 05:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Troy Tempest
Snr. Cedron
“uk should launch scheme to finish with its colonialism, tax havens and smugglers paradises.”

You seem to be off-topic with that remark.

However, since we are on the subject of regulation to protect industry and consumers, can you list the places and circumstances where UK government policy supports “colonialism, tax havens and smugglers paradises.”??

Being specific would be helpful to a discussion.
Jan 11th, 2014 - 08:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
nololly
Snr Cedn, the only colonialist in the South Atlantic, trying but failing to colonise Queen Elizatheth Land and the Falkland Islands, is Argentina. They did try conquest too but failed in a most humiliating fashion. You might ask your President about tax havens, she has been stashing loot away for the future for some time. And, for smugglers paradise, ask a friendly pirat, we'll be happy to oblige!
Jan 11th, 2014 - 08:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Frank
I don't know about whisky but a few years ago you could buy local 'gin' in BA for about $4 US...... I think the government likes to keep the great unwashed well pissed
Jan 12th, 2014 - 01:09 am - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Conqueror
@4 How about “UK launches scheme to nuke South American criminals, genocides and war criminals, perverts, liars and attempted thieves”?
Jan 12th, 2014 - 03:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+
Philippe
God save Malt Whisky!

Philippe
Jan 12th, 2014 - 04:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
-+

Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!