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Fake and harmful alcohol products are a big problem worldwide, especially for expensive brands. Many markets are flooded with counterfeit alcoholic drinks that are made to look like the real ones. These fake alcohols are illegal and can be very dangerous.

One harmful substance found in these fake alcoholic drinks is methanol. Methanol has been responsible for many deaths related to fake alcohol. For instance, in Costa Rica, 25 people have died, and 59 others needed hospital treatment due to methanol poisoning from counterfeit alcohol.

Fake alcoholic beverages might have high levels of methanol. This can cause various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, it may even lead to blindness and death. These severe symptoms usually appear 12 to 24 hours after consuming the fake alcohol. So, it’s crucial to be cautious and avoid counterfeit alcohol to stay safe.

In many countries, selling fake alcoholic drinks with dangerous levels of methanol is a widespread problem, and it has become even worse during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Recently, in Nigeria, the police arrested three suspects in Lagos for making counterfeit drinks, including brands like Hennessy, Moet Chandon, Jack Daniel, Remy Martins, and Red label. They had a lot of fake alcoholic beverages, substances suspected to be ethanol, coloring, rubber corks, labels, stickers, and tools used for this illegal business. In a video online, the fraudsters were seen making fake Hennessy by filling empty bottles in a very unhygienic way.

In China, the police also caught three men and seized a large amount of counterfeit Hennessy cognac worth a lot of money. The fake wine was stored in moldy plastic barrels and put into cognac bottles. They were about to sell it to a merchant in Hong Kong when the police found their hidden factory.

In Enugu State, Nigeria, the police arrested a couple and another person for making and selling fake bottles of various drink brands, including Hennessy, Remy Martins, Glenfiddich, and Johnny Walker Double Black. They found 15 bottles of the suspected fake drinks.

Methanol is often added to alcoholic drinks to make them cheaper, but it can be very dangerous. Drinking even a small amount of methanol, like 25 to 90 milliliters, can be deadly if not treated by a doctor. It’s essential to be careful and avoid fake alcoholic drinks to stay safe.

How To Spot A Fake Hennessy Vs Real

Hennessy is a fancy kind of cognac that many people like, both experts and casual drinkers. But, because it’s so popular and expensive, fake Hennessy bottles have become more common. Here are some ways to tell if a Hennessy bottle is fake or real:

1. Check the label: Look for mistakes in spelling or differences in the logo or writing style. A real Hennessy label should have a clear and sharp logo with no smudges or blur. The label should also be glued straight to the bottle without any bubbles or wrinkles.
2. Look for a back label: A real Hennessy bottle will have a label on the back with information about the product, like where it comes from, how it’s made, and how old it is. If the bottle doesn’t have a back label or it looks fake, it might be a fake one.
3. Check the cap and seal: A real Hennessy bottle will have a tightly closed cap with a metal seal that has the Hennessy logo on it. The cap should also have a seal that shows if it’s been opened or not. If the seal looks tampered with, the bottle might be fake.
4. Look for a barcode: Most Hennessy bottles have a barcode on the back label. If there’s no barcode, it could mean the bottle is fake.
5. Check the bottle: Real Hennessy bottles are made of good-quality glass and should feel solid when you hold them. Fake bottles are often made of cheaper materials and may feel lighter or weaker.
6. Look for a lot number: Real Hennessy bottles have a number engraved or stamped on the bottom. If there’s no number or it looks fake, the bottle might be fake.
7. Compare with a real bottle: If you have a real Hennessy bottle, compare it with the one you think might be fake. Look for any differences in the label, seal, cap, or bottle itself.

Remember, it’s essential to buy Hennessy from a trustworthy place to avoid getting a fake bottle. If you think you have a fake bottle, it’s better not to drink it and dispose of it properly.

Does Hennessy Expire?

Hennessy doesn’t expire, but it can go bad if stored incorrectly, leading to changes in smell, taste, or appearance. In that case, it’s best to throw it away to maintain its quality. Drinking bad Hennessy can be dangerous and even deadly, causing problems like amnesia, headaches, nausea, vomiting, shaking, and paranoia.

The World Health Organization reports that there have been many cases of methanol poisoning from fake or illegally produced alcoholic drinks in different countries. Some of the affected countries are Cambodia, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Libya, Nicaragua, Norway, Pakistan, Turkey, and Uganda. These outbreaks have ranged from affecting 20 to over 800 people, and some cases have had a fatality rate of 30 percent.

Vary Important Information

This information is about fake alcoholic products and is given as part of our efforts to reduce harm. We want to remind you that alcoholism is a real disease. It can affect the brain and how a person’s body works, which might make it hard for them to control their drinking.

Alcohol addiction can show up in different ways. Some people drink a lot all the time, while others might have times of heavy drinking followed by periods of not drinking at all. But in general, if someone heavily relies on drinking and can’t stay sober for a long time, they may have an alcohol addiction.

Many people with alcohol addiction find help in 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). There are also other support groups that don’t use the 12-step approach, like SMART Recovery and Sober Recovery.

No matter which support system someone chooses, it’s beneficial to be a part of one when trying to stop drinking. Being part of sober communities can help someone facing alcohol addiction deal with the challenges of staying sober in everyday life. These communities offer a chance to share experiences with others who understand, build new healthy friendships, and provide support if there’s a relapse. It’s essential to have a supportive community when going through this journey.