Carmichael welcomes common sense decision of Skullsplitter to be saved (Aberdeen North Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen North Liberal Democrats <anne.carmichael@btinternet.com>

Carmichael welcomes common sense decision of Skullsplitter to be saved

December 22, 2008 6:52 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael has today welcomed the news that Orkney Breweries award winning 'Skullsplitter' beer will be saved.

A decision was today made by the Portman Group not to ban Skullsplitter following a complaint that the beer "implied violence and the impact the strength of the beer may have on the drinker. Additionally there is a picture which could be seen to reinforce the aggressive theme".Alistair Carmichael MP

Mr Carmichael has been campaigning for Skullsplitter to be saved, making both representations to the Portman Group and tabling an EDM on the matter.

Commenting Mr Carmichael said -

"I am delighted that the brand of Skullsplitter will be preserved. I remain highly dubious of the process that brought it into doubt in the first place. I would observe in passing that the Portman Groups adjudication refers to 'an aggressive-looking Viking'. History would suggest that there were not really any other sort of Viking's!

"This would have been a significant loss to the portfolio of Orkney the brand. Like many Orcadians I shall be toasting the festive season at some stage with a bottle of Skullsplitter. I can promise that it's consumption will be a model of responsibility."

Notes -

Mr Carmichael previously tabled an EDM on skullsplitter, the wording of which is below -

That this House notes with amazement that the Portman Group is considering a complaint against the name of the Orkney Brewery's Skull Splitter beer, a complaint that claims that the name could imply violence and that it's Viking branded bottles have an aggressive theme; recognises that the name would be inappropriate if it were applied to a low price high alcohol content drink aimed at young drinkers; considers that Skull Splitter is not such a drink, but is instead a high quality premium beer, not sold in supermarkets, a past Champion Winter Ale of Britain, which is targeted at, and bought by discerning drinkers who appreciate its quality and who drink it responsibly; recognises the beer is named after Thorfinn Hausakluif, the seventh Viking earl of Orkney nicknamed 'skull splitter', believes that the name is an entirely appropriate name for a beer brewed in Orkney with its strong Viking heritage; further believes that to lose the use of the name would be a serious setback to the brewery, undoing years of good work building a market share for Skull Splitter among connoisseurs of good beer, and calls on the Portman Group to reject the complaint.