Team News Riveting
Kochi, November 18
In a big blow for Kerala’s booze lovers, the state excise department has stopped the sale of popular brand “Jawan” Rum.
The department has issued an order to freeze the sale of Jawan XXX Rum, after a chemical test found that it was high in potency. It has been suggested that the sale of three batches of liquor on July 20 should be stopped immediately after ‘sediments’ were found in it during examination.
“Jawan” rum is a product of Travancore Sugars and Chemicals Limited (TSCL) under the Government of Kerala. Priced at Rs 530 for a litre, “Jawan” XXX rum that reached the common man in 2008 is one of the popular and cheapest liquor in the state.
The sales of three batches of liquor 245, 246 and 247 dated July 20 were frozen, as per an order by the Excise Commissioner.
A week ago, the “Jawan” Rum sold at a bar in Kozhikode district was found to contain excessive quantities of alcohol. Those who consumed it experienced and reported physical discomfort. An examination was conducted following a complaint lodged by a person who experienced physical distress after consuming alcohol.
The Excise officials seized two bottles of the rum and sent it to the lab for testing. In testing, it was found that more than the recommended amount of ethyl alcohol in the sample.
TSCL in Pulikeezhu near Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta is a profit making entity of the Kerala government and is one of the few units in the state brewing success. The seven-decade-old enterprise on the banks of the Pampa River churns out a profit of Rs 1 lakh a day by producing just one item – the Jawan Deluxe XXX Rum.
The company produces 6,000 cases of liquor daily, equivalent to nearly 60,000 litres of rum a year.
