Skull Splitter facing Portman Group Probe

An award-winning beer could be axed because of fears its Viking branded bottles have an aggressive theme.

A report commissioned by drinks watchdog the Portman Group noted that 8.5 per cent ABV ale Skull Splitter has a name that "implies violence".

The Portman Group will meet later in the year to decide what action to take against the former Champion Winter Ale of Britain. Measures could include advising retailers not to stock it.

The Orkney Brewery - which produces Skull Splitter - has started a campaign to save the drink which is named after Thorfinn Hausakluif, the Seventh Viking Earl of Orkney - nicknamed "Skull Splitter".

Norman Sinclair, managing director of the Orkney Brewery's parent company Sinclair Breweries, said: "We're completely stunned by the hard line the Portman Group has taken with Skull Splitter.

"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."

He added that Sinclair Breweries was the first small, independent brewer to incorporate new government alcohol consumption guidelines on all its labelling.

"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," he said.

A spokesman for the Portman Group would only say: "A complaint has been made by PIPC about this product to the Independent Complaints Panel."