Fake alcohol has reached pandemic proportions in the city of Mbare. It is alleged that residents are resorting to producing counterfeit whiskies, brandies, vodkas, and other spirits as a means of making ends meet amidst diminishing economic prospects.
Consumers who indulge in alcohol are facing the risk of alcohol poisoning due to the prevalence of fake whiskey and other alcoholic beverages flooding the Zimbabwean market.
This issue has become a significant concern in the country.
Reports have surfaced of counterfeit whiskey being sold, leading to severe health repercussions. In 2019, three individuals tragically lost their lives after consuming fake Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Some of these counterfeit alcohol brands are illicitly brought into Zimbabwe from neighboring countries such as Mozambique and Zambia.
The rise of “backyard distilleries” in low-income areas like Mbare serves as a primary source of this counterfeit alcohol.
These clandestine operations often refill premium whiskey bottles with cheaper alcohol or illicit substances, selling them at considerably lower prices than those found in formal markets.
Recently, one user lamented how his bottle of whiskey froze solid in the refrigerator, sparking concerns about its authenticity.
Others echoed similar experiences, questioning the legitimacy of the Jameson Irish Whiskey brand.
Jameson Irish Whiskey clarified on its website that authentic whiskey does not freeze under normal conditions.
The misconception that whiskey can freeze arises from its partial freezing when diluted with water, causing it to appear slushy.
However, the high alcohol content in whiskey prevents it from freezing in a standard freezer, maintaining its liquid state even at low temperatures.
Source iHarare
