Counterfeit whisky warning

Friday 7 March 2003

The Agency has renewed its warning against drinking counterfeit Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky after more bottles contaminated with unacceptable levels of methanol were found.

The counterfeit bottles, which were discovered in Berkshire this week in a joint operation by Customs and Excise and police, are similar to 50 bottles of counterfeit Johnnie Walker found in Hackney, London, in November 2002.

However, the most recently discovered counterfeit bottles don’t have any neck labels. The counterfeit bottles found last year had neck labels saying ‘Distilleries’, whereas the neck labels on genuine bottles say ‘Distillers’.

Drinking whisky contaminated with methanol could cause methanol poisoning, which has symptoms including severe stomach pain, drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision leading to blindness. If someone suspects they have drunk counterfeit whisky in the past 24 hours, they should consult a doctor.

Rolls of counterfeit labels for Highland Pride Whisky were discovered in the same place, which suggests that counterfeit bottles of this whisky might also be on sale.

At the moment we don’t know whether counterfeit Highland Pride has been produced or how it might have been made, but if someone finds a bottle carrying one of the counterfeit labels, they should avoid drinking the contents as a precaution.

The Agency is advising people to check bottles of whisky to ensure they are genuine. There are a number of subtle differences between the counterfeits and the genuine products. If someone thinks they have a counterfeit bottle they should contact their local authority.