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Portman probe causes Skull Splitter headache

Scottish Brewer The Orkney Brewery could have its award winning Skull Splitter ale withdrawn from sale after claims that its Viking branded bottles promote an aggressive theme.

The group could have the 8.5% ale taken off of shelves, following a report by management consultancy PIPC, commissioned by drinks industry watchdog the Portman Group.

The report claimed that, potentially, Skull Splitter was in breach of the drinks industry's code. The Portman Group will meet later in the year to consider if action will be taken against the brewery.

Orkney Brewery said that it was "stunned" by the move, claiming that the ale is named after a former Viking earl of Orkney named Thorfinn Einarsson who was commonly known as "Hausakluif", or "Skull Splitter".

Norman Sinclair, managing director of Sinclair Breweries, Orkney Brewery's parent company, said: "We're completely stunned by the hard line the Portman Group has taken with Skullsplitter. When they first raised their concerns with us on the back of the PIPC report we fully explained the historical background to the name and, as responsible brewers, we were happy to try and work with them to find a solution. Indeed, we've cooperated with them every step of the way but it's apparently got us nowhere.

"Again and again we have stressed to the Portman Group that Skull Splitter, like all our beers, is a high quality, hand crafted product designed to be savoured by adults who enjoy the real ale experience. We never target any of our beers at a young market, nor do we allow them to be sold cut price. In addition, Skull Splitter is not sold in supermarkets."

He added: "We await their final decision with considerable concern. It's almost inconceivable that a quality product such as Skull Splitter, one that has won numerous industry awards, could disappear from sale in the UK and I sincerely hope that common sense prevails."

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