The booming demand for premium whisky in India has unfortunately given rise to a parallel problem — counterfeit bottles flooding the market. From upscale stores in metros to informal vendors in tier-II towns, fake liquor is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish from the real deal. According to reports, multiple incidents involving spurious alcohol have emerged across the country, raising serious concerns over consumer safety and product authenticity. Here’s a detailed guide to help you identify whether the whisky bottle you’ve purchased is genuine or not.
How to identify fake whisky bottles in India
1.Examine the label and outer box closely
While counterfeiters go to great lengths to replicate original branding, the label often gives them away. Look carefully for typos, blurred print, or inconsistent fonts. Premium distilleries ensure immaculate packaging — from high-quality prints to sophisticated textures. If anything looks off or poorly made, it’s likely a fake.
2.Inspect the seal for tampering
A legitimate bottle will always have a factory-sealed cap. If the seal appears misaligned, manually glued, or damaged in any way, it’s a major red flag. Tampered seals are a common sign of reused or refilled bottles.
3.Check it against light
Hold the bottle up against a light source. If the liquid inside looks cloudy, contains suspended particles, or shows irregularities in colour, there’s a high chance it’s not genuine whisky. Original blends are typically clear and consistent.
4.Verify the barcode functionality
Most authentic whisky brands now feature scannable barcodes or QR codes. These should direct you to the official website or product details. If scanning leads to a broken link, suspicious site, or no information at all, assume the worst.
5.Always purchase from trusted sources
Stick to well-established liquor outlets, state-authorised retailers, or officially licensed distributors. Late-night roadside vendors or dubious online sellers pose significant risks and often deal in unverified stock.
6.Confirm the MRP and excise stamp
Every bottle legally sold in India carries a state-issued excise label featuring a unique code and printed Maximum Retail Price (MRP). Compare the MRP with the official brand pricing and inspect the label’s authenticity. A genuine product will match both.
