Tag: Ethanol vs methanol

Hundreds die annually from methanol poisoning linked to illegally produced alcohol, a risk often associated with cheaper, unregulated beverages. This toxic substance, which is not the same as the ethanol in regulated drinks, can cause severe health damage. The question is, does cheap alcohol have methanol, and how can consumers protect themselves?

While methanol is a natural byproduct of fermentation, commercial whisky production methods are specifically designed to remove it, ensuring the final product is safe. The presence of harmful levels of methanol in alcohol is typically a concern with illegally produced, unregulated spirits, not professionally distilled whisky.

According to the World Health Organization, outbreaks of methanol poisoning are often linked to contaminated alcohol from illicit, unregulated sources, leading to severe health complications. Knowing how to tell if there is methanol in a drink is a critical life-saving skill.