EXCESS OF WHISKY

Evening Star, Issue 20995, 8 January 1932, Page 12

EXCESS OF WHISKY

The consumption of Scotch whisky lias declined so drastically of late that, in spite' of the severe cut in output effected last year, stocks in bond in Britain are tending to increase rather than diminish. Obviously this state of affairs must not if prices of single whiskies are ever going to return to normal.

It was hoped at one time that the Pot Still Malt Whisky Distillers’ Association would recommend the complete cessation of distilling throughout the 1931-32 season. But a few distillers can sell their product under almost any conditions, while the combine has so carefully regulated its output in accordance with demand over many years that a complete cessation of distilling over a whole season would seriously interrupt the bonding sequences adopted by this concern.

It has been possible, however, to secure a unanimous vote for a further drastic reduction in output during the new season. Yet many distillers will probably not trouble to light their fires this year, having come to the conclusion that sufficient filling orders will not be available to give them a reasonable margin of profit. Many hold the belief that the distilleries ought to be closed down altogether for the next two years. The suggestion has also been put forward that surplus stocks should be converted into methylated spirits, but it is not receiving serious consideration.