How to Identify 'Fake Alcohol' Rampant in Southeast Asia
Check the Flame Color by Igniting the Alcohol
Beware of Cheap or Unsealed Alcohol
Recently, as tourists in Southeast Asia have been dying after drinking alcohol made with methanol, a method to distinguish 'fake alcohol' has been revealed.
On the 22nd (local time), the British Daily Mail reported that the founder of the British liquor company 'Whiskey Masters' in Upland disclosed a way to identify whether methanol or other foreign substances are present. Upland pointed out, "Fake alcohol bottles may have low-quality labels, spelling errors, or blurry text," and added, "If the bottle's seal is broken or there are scratch marks, it should also be suspected."
He further explained that pouring the suspicious alcohol onto a spoon and lighting it with a match or lighter can immediately reveal if methanol is present. He said, "You can tell whether the alcohol is genuine or not by the color of the flame," explaining, "Ethanol contained in real alcohol burns with a clean, almost invisible blue flame, but fake alcohol, which often contains high levels of butyl alcohol and propyl alcohol, burns with a brighter orange flame."
However, he added that this method is not always reliable. He also emphasized, "You should watch the alcohol being poured directly with your eyes, avoid bottles that are not sealed, and never drink free alcohol given by strangers."
Recently in Southeast Asia, there have been consecutive deaths of tourists who drank fake alcohol. In December last year, two foreign tourists died after drinking methanol-made alcohol in the famous Vietnamese tourist spot Hoi An. In November of the same year, six foreign tourists died after drinking methanol-laced alcohol in the famous Laotian tourist spot Vang Vieng and other locations. In June of the same year, illegally manufactured alcohol circulated in Thailand resulted in four deaths and 33 hospitalizations. Among the hospitalized patients, 22 underwent kidney dialysis, and 15 were placed on ventilators.
Methanol is a colorless liquid that smells similar to alcohol, making it easy to be deceived. However, even a small amount of methanol can cause acute poisoning, with symptoms such as headache, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can lead to coma, blindness, and even death. If the alcohol smells suspiciously like chemicals, it is best not to drink it, and since most alcohol does not produce foam, foaming alcohol should also be avoided.
If foreign substances are observed or the price is very cheap, suspicion is warranted. Western countries have warned that cocktails and various mixed drinks, as well as beverages in already opened bottles or cans, may contain methanol and should be avoided.
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