The authenticator uses ultra-violet technology

The drinks company Diageo has announced a new and easier method of detecting whisky which is not the genuine article using a portable authenticator.

Figures suggest that up to 6% of licensees substitute cheap spirits for genuine Scottish malts or blends.

There is also concern some may be contaminated with chemicals which can cause serious injury or even death.

At the moment the procedure for testing that the liquid in the bottle matches the label is complicated and lengthy.

But the Diageo authenticator has been designed to work "in the field" and cuts the screening process down to less than a minute.

The portable spectroscopic kit uses ultra-violet technology to test the authenticity of whiskies.

Allan Burns, joint executive director of Diageo Scotland, described the authenticator as a "very significant development".

This device provides a new weapon to complement the existing work undertaken by the industry to defeat counterfeiters Gavin Hewitt Scotch Whisky Association

He said: "Counterfeiting is a worldwide problem for premium brands across many industries.

"Protecting our consumers and ensuring that they continue to enjoy the taste and quality of genuine Scotch whisky is essential to the future of the industry.

"When consumers think they are buying reputable brands but are in fact buying counterfeit copies, damage occurs not just to the reputation of the industry, but counterfeit product can also pose potentially significant consumer health risks."

Mr Burns added: "The authenticator means that detection can now be swift, efficient and highly cost effective, providing a powerful deterrent to the Scotch whisky counterfeiters."

Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, also welcomed the development.

Series of trials

He said: "Scotch Whisky has developed a global reputation as a drink of quality.

"Its international success means that others seek from time to time to trade illegally on that reputation.

"This device provides a new weapon to complement the existing work undertaken by the industry to defeat counterfeiters, and will give consumers even more confidence that the industry is doing all it can to ensure the quality of Scotch whisky is maintained."

The £100,000 project was developed at Diageo's Brand Technical Centre in Menstrie, Clackmannanshire.

It has successfully undergone a series of trials in Colombia, Spain and Venezuela.

Diageo plan to make the technology available to trading standards authorities and other whisky companies.