Vodka company hiding Russian connections by scrubbing out labels boasting of its St Petersburg distillery

A VODKA company is hiding Russian connections by scrubbing out labels boasting of its St Petersburg distillery.

The move by JJ Whitley follows Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Bottles were found with their “Russia” stickers crossed out in felt tip and a second label placed on top.

The Sun spotted £19 Artisanal Russian Vodka and Blue Raspberry Vodka with blacked-out labels on shelves in a Morrisons in Kent and a Sainsbury’s in Co Durham.

The chains are investigating and supermarkets have now pulled thousands of bottles.

Customers felt cheated.

One told The Sun: “They have conned me and many others.”

JJ Whitley manufacturer Halewood Artisanal said: “Following the invasion, we acted quickly to move production to our distillery in Chorley, Lancs.

“Some stock made before the invasion does still remain in stores and bars.

“Some was re-labelled in agreement with some customers to avoid offending consumers.

“We’re making these changes with all possible haste at considerable cost to ourselves.

“It is never our intention to deceive.”