Spirited accountants: The rise of the Distillers Company

William J. Jackson, Audrey S. Paterson, Darren Jubb

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

    Abstract

    Little has been written about the role of accounting in the development of the Scotch whisky industry to the ubiquitous presence it has today. This chapter shows how the oversight of the tax authorities contributed to the industry becoming a highly calculative environment. It also shows how accounting was used ruthlessly by the industry players, sometimes fraudulently, to gain advantage in a heated business environment. The tensions created by alternate accounting treatments then repeatedly prevented formation of an industry monopoly, until the head of DCL broke the deadlock and allowed the formation of the world’s largest alcoholic drinks company.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationAccounting for Alcohol
    Subtitle of host publicationAn Accounting History of Brewing, Distilling and Viniculture
    EditorsMartin Quinn, João Oliveira
    Place of PublicationOxford
    PublisherRoutledge
    Chapter10
    Pages174-186
    Number of pages13
    Edition1st
    ISBN (Electronic)9781315185477
    ISBN (Print)9781138737334
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018

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