CRUNCH TIME FOR CARDHU

Published: 23 July, 2008

By Stuart Peskett

The Scotch whisky industry was bracing itself yesterday for a crunch meeting on the Cardhu saga. The outcome of the Scotch Whisky Association's (SWA) council meeting could have far-reaching effects on the whole industry. Diageo has changed Cardhu from a single malt to a vatted, or pure' malt, resulting in a storm of criticism from its competitors, as well as some politicians. The SWA has admitted the existence of a memo written in September that demanded Diageo withdraw Cardhu pure malt, but an SWA spokesman said that all sides had been discussing the issue and had since moved on. He said: The association is trying to find the most appropriate solution for the industry as a whole. In terms of the council meeting, it is premature to comment on any proposals.' Diageo spokesman Peter Smith said: I believe it [the leaked memo] doesn't give a true reflection of the SWA's position. It's outrageous that documents are leaked and we are trying to keep this within the confines of the SWA.'

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