Sending whisky overseas- my poor friends

That sounds arbitrary, I'm sure there is a perfectly unreasonable explanation...

Change the label .. Disgusting..

I've never looked into it. I HAVE taken bottles in my suitcase over seas many times, so if you're heading back to the UK and have room for a couple bottles, I suggest doing it that way. It still may be illegal... I don't know, but I've never gotten in trouble for it!

@OCeallaigh that's okay but shipping whisky to the uk from Japan seems like it could be tricky.

I went to the big post office in Shinjuku and was able to mail Ichiro's Malt Double Distilleries 46% ABV 700 ml bottle to Australia. Boldly declared on the label "Whisky 46%".

The staff member consulted a book and arranged everything.

And let's face it, it's Japan, the service staff are well trained and provided with lots of information. If you are being told you can't mail it, then there must be some UK law forbidding it.

@Frost I would have to slightly disagree with being highly trained. They seem so but when questioned that fall flat. Shipping to Australia is no issue and you have just confirmed. Cheers.

It's a uk law. If you send it by courier it is ok, but it can't travel via Royal Mail. Learning this cost me £99 the hard way (long story involving a bottle of 21 yr old Laphroaig).