Record keeping and related requirements for distilleries

Stocktakes and distillation efficiency

You should conduct a stocktake of all stock including stillhouse stock and feints at least every three months.

For bulk stock in tanks and vats you should do this by dipping, testing strength (if not tested within the past month) and recording stocktake survey details, noting losses and gains in the relevant stock records. Stillhouse stock should be recorded in the stillhouse stock register.

You should also calculate still efficiency on a regular basis to ensure all available alcohol in charge material is being recovered at an acceptable rate. Efficiency is expressed as a percentage of the total LALs available. The formula is:

closing stock + total spirit run to bond + feints destroyed x 100 opening stock + total LALs charged to still

Sections within Other stillhouse records

• Alcohol strength analysis
• Spirit runnings
• Destruction of feints
• Stocktakes and distillation efficiency