It has come to my attention that Dodgy dangerous Jack Daniels and Sangsom is being sold in some bars in Udon thani. Many know it is being served but its not been reported to the Authorities other scams are short measures being served due to lack of tourist this low season. This is worrying if there using Laos spirits some tourists in Laos have died drinking this as Traces of Mercury has been found in them. Anyone travelling to Udon should stick with bottled beer till these bars have been inspected.

This is not a new thing, not by any measure... 

 

Bootlegging has been an issue in Thailand (and many other areas) for a long time.

 

 

I posted this 9 years ago - after recognising fake JW in a bar in BKK.

https://aseannow.com/topic/942918-fake-liquor/

 

 

But there are also plenty of other stories: 

https://aseannow.com/topic/950316-haul-of-fake-whisky-seized-in-chiang-mai/

https://aseannow.com/topic/250179-fake-alcohol-in-bangkok-club/

 

 

The (relatively) recent deaths of the tourists in Vang Vieng (Laos) was due to Methanol poisoning from bootlegged booze, this highlights the potential seriousness of the issue from a regional perspective.

 

As you have, many will suggest - just drink beer, but really, after a number of beers I'm just too full and like to enjoy a Whisky, even if its in a 'lower-spec' bar....    So I'll drink the Whisky on ice and can tell if its bootlegged, leave it and avoid the baggy head in the morning.

 

 

 Regarding 'bar inspections'.....   I wouldn't be holding my breath, authorities only seem to care if something happens that generates a knee-jerk reaction and Nov '24 (Laos deaths) is already a long time in the past from their perspective, particularly as this was not in Thailand.