Glen Mhor Log Book 17th January 1938

 

We're still in January 1938 for our latest logbook discovery. You can see and read about all the existing pages on the dedicated list that we've compiled so far. This is fast becoming a rich stream of untapped information, offering us new insight into the internal workings and issues within Glen Mhor.

Leaks seem to be a common theme and a concern for the Excise officer; especially if they are not due to natural forces. So far, we don't have any record of workers prompting such losses although I have been told of tales towards the end of the lifespan of the distillery, workers helping themselves to cases of Glen Mhor at the back of the facility and eagerly putting them onto a canal boat.

Fortunately, this particular leak falls into the wear and tear category...

'Sir

I have to report that the percentage of the best change over the attenuation change for the week ending  Y.1.31 (15th Period) was only 07.7% instead of a normal 11/13%.

On attempting to obtain a sample from the Spent Lees Receiver No.2 I found that the vessels had been leaking and was practically empty. The distillers attention was called to the fact that it should be fixed without delay.

The stills were filled with water and leakage found in No.2 Low Wines Still at the joint of the discharge pipe and still. I am satisfied that the leakage was sufficient to cause the low percentage and none of the spirit went into consumption.

The joint has now been heavily soldered and securely soldered on the inside and the spent lees receiver is at present in the process of refrain.

Respectfully, G. Stenhouse, officer.'

Margin entry - 'Surveyor states that the Collector has advised that no report is necessary where the Surveyor is satisfied that the cause of the loss accounts for the shortage.'

We've touched upon the attenuation measurement system in a prior log book entry, which is:

the measurement of the decrease in specific gravity of worts over the course of fermentation.. Eg. if the original gravity, taken just after the filling the washback, was 1.055 and the final gravity taken at the end of the fermentation was 0.998, then the attenuation would be said to be 57 degrees.  For every 100 litres of wort attenuating through 8 degree, approximately 1 litre of alcohol should be produced

This Log Book comes from the Highland Archives Centre (HCA/D31/4/1/25) and is watermarked for its protection. As with any images on this website, please ask first before using and always give credit. My thanks to the Centre for their assistance. 

To put this entry into context, I reached out again to Alan Winchester for his valued insight:

'The attenuation tells that there's been a bit of a loss, as the Customs and Distillery staff prepared the records, they would have been aware together, that things were poor.

Filling the stills with water would indicate the leak quite quickly, the leak may have required brickwork to be removed to find the leak, if not easily seen.

Interesting, he mentions the leaking spent lees tank, to obtain a sample to check, that may have resulted in a letter to the company from the Excise, though Surveyor was not requiring a report, as you can see its where the loss had been to, was concerning the Officer. The officer appears quite diligent.'

The Exciseman is certainly thorough and convinced that there was nothing untoward with the sudden change in figures. My thanks to Alan, and here's to the next page, coming soon.

This Log Book comes from the Highland Archives Centre (HCA/D31/4/1/25) and is watermarked for its protection. As with any images on this website, please ask first before using and always give credit. My thanks to the Centre for their assistance.