BrewDog faces another Portman Group probe

BrewDog, the high profile Scottish brewer, is facing another investigation by the Portman Group's complaints panel over its 18.2 per cent beer Tokyo.

The controversial firm has revealed details on its website of a complaint to the watchdog from Alcohol Scotland and a member of the public about the "UK's strongest beer".

It is the latest chapter in a feud between BrewDog and the Portman Group after previous investigations over its products and threats by the brewer to sue the watchdog.

The latest complaint, from Alcohol Scotland, is based on the fact that BrewDog claimed Tokyo is the UK's strongest beer; that it does not promote a "positive message of safe and responsible drinking".

The alcohol charity also highlighted a message on the BrewDog website about Tokyo which says: "It is all about moderation. Everything in moderation, including moderation itself. What logically follows is that you must, from time, have excess. This beer is for those times."

The member of the public who complained suggested the phrase "intergalactic fantastic imperial stout" points to hallucinogenic qualities.

But BrewDog has hit back saying it is not aware it has done anything wrong. A statement said: "Interestingly, we have not been told which sections of the code of practice we have specifically violated this time.

"We eagerly await to be updated on this, having reviewed the code we have struggled to see what we have done wrong."

It added: "Responsible drinking is at the core of what we do because the types of beers we brew actually encourages responsible consumption and a better understanding of beer."