Drinks group slaps Beastie

Drinks industry watchdog The Portman Group has slammed Scottish distiller Inver House over the branding and packaging of two of its products, Wee Beastie and Big Beastie.

The group’s independent complaints panel ruled that the products breached the industry’s self-regulatory code on marketing by using a grinning spider character, which was likely to appeal to under-age drinkers. The panel was also concerned that a warning on the front of both products – “Strictly for over-18s. Adults only” – was likely to attract under-18s.

The drink, which comes in two sizes, is a blend of vodka with raspberry, blackcurrant, taurine and caffeine.

Inver House has agreed to redesign the packaging and the brand website has been taken down.