Fernbrew Pty Ltd was placed under administration last Wednesday, with David Ingram of Hall Chadwick Chartered Accountants named the administrator. 

One customer, who declined to be named, told the Central Western Daily the company owed up to $87 million and 600 letters of demand had been sent to potential clients asking them not to pay Fernbrew or the D’Aquino Group of Companies, but directly to the ATO.

Rex D’Aquino and Mr Ingram did not return the CWD’s calls and it remains unclear whether Highland Heritage Estate or other parts of the group will be subject to further action.

D’Aquino Liquor Stores are still trading. 

A meeting with creditors will be held in Sydney on February 11 to decide whether to appoint an inspection committee or appoint different administrators.

The company achieved notoriety in 2007 when it faced Supreme Court action for labelling its Australian-made McTavish whisky as Scotch.