MORE than £200,000-worth of Scotch was flushed down the drain and into a river after a massive error, it’s claimed
The accident – thought to be caused by a machinery glitch at the Dewar’s & Sons HQ in Glasgow – saw more than 5,000 bottles worth of their 12-year-old reserve going missing into the Clyde.
Les GallagherSEPA are investigating after thousands of pounds of whisky was flushed into the River Clyde[/caption]
Les GallagherMore than 5000 bottles from Dewar’s & Sons are thought to have gone missing[/caption]
More than £200,000 of Dewar’s 12-year-old reserve has reportedly been flushed
It’s prompted a probe by eco watchdogs the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency over fears it contaminated the famous river.
A stunned insider said: “The potential revenue that has been lost is monumental – and is literally floating off out to sea.”
It’s understood the Scotch whisky distiller and blender have now launched an investigation into the incident at Glasgow’s London Road, – where Dewar’s is blended, aged, and bottled
The source said: “The machinery is so high-tech, it’s mind-boggling how this has been able to happen.
“Something’s obviously gone terribly wrong.
“The whisky literally been flushed down the drain, entered the sewage systems and flowed right into the Clyde.
“It’s very risky and highly flammable, that’s why SEPA is involved.
“It could really have an effect on the environment, especially organisms in the river.
It’s thought the blunder happened during last Tuesday’s night shift – between 10pm and 6am on Wednesday at the John Dewar & Sons bottling hall and office complex, in Glasgow’s London Road, which sits just yards from the river Clyde.
The insider added: “It’s all gone wrong when the alcohol was being transferred from one part of the building to the another.
“This sort of thing is unheard of, especially since the machines are so advanced.
“The programme would do anything to stop this type of thing happening.
“I’ve heard the volume gone to waste is valued in the region of £200,000, which is why there is a probe.”
A SEPA spokesman confirmed they were aware of an incident.
She said: “SEPA is aware of an incident at John Dewars Westthorn on Wednesday 17 September.
“We are awaiting a report from the operator and will follow up with any regulatory actions as required.”
A £200,000-value loss of the whisky, would equate as just over 5,263 bottles of the amber-coloured liquid – which has been drunk and enjoyed around the world for more than a century.
Dewar’s history began in 1846 with John Dewar opening a wine and spirits shop in Perth.
His sons, John Alexander and Tommy Dewar, expanded the business, founding the Aberfeldy distillery in 1898 to supply their growing brand of blended Scotch.
Tommy took on the role of spreading the word of the business to London and overseas, creating bold campaigns to establish Dewar’s as a global brand, leading to royal patronage and its iconic White Label expression launching in 1899.
In 1998, drinks giant Bacardi acquired the business, which currently still operates five distilleries at Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Criagellachie, MacDuff and Royal Brakla.
Bacardi did not respond to requests for comment.
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