Stoke-on-Trent Trading Standards warn over potentially harmful fake whiskey.

Residents who have bought or been given fake whisky are being warned that it could be harmful to drink, as Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s trading standards have discovered an illicit whisky batch contained cleaning chemicals.

The authority was made aware of the issue by a man from Tunstall who complained that drinking the fake ‘Highland Glen Scotch Whisky’ made him feel ill.

Tests carried out on the whisky revealed that it was not genuine or fit to consume.

Councillor Gwen Hassall, cabinet member for housing and neighbourhoods, said: “Thankfully the complainant is ok. He was given the whisky as a gift from a friend; it has not been seen in shops. But there might be other examples of this product out there.

The whisky is not a genuine brand. It has a black and gold label with ‘Highland’ and ‘Glen’ in white letters. It is not labelled with the name and address details of the producer – genuine products will always have details of the producer.
“We are urging residents to be wary of this product – if you think you have bought or been given a bottle of Highland Glen Scotch Whisky do not drink it, and please call the public protection service on 01782 232065.

If you know someone selling fakes, call the fakes hotline anonymously on 01782 238444 or visit www.stoke.gov.uk/fakes.