A new optical technique developed by researchers at the University of St Andrews and Adelaide University allows toxic methanol in alcoholic spirits to be detected without opening the bottle. Published in the Journal of Physics: Photonics, this new work offers a powerful new tool for tackling counterfeit alcohol and improving consumer safety worldwide.

Methanol contamination of spirits such as whiskey, gin and vodka causes hundreds of deaths each year and can lead to serious physical consequences, such as blindness. Recent high-profile incidents have highlighted the danger: In 2024, six tourists died in Laos after drinking alcohol later found to be contaminated with methanol. It is estimated that methanol poisoning has caused tens of thousands of deaths globally, with incidents documented in nearly 80 countries.

Despite this, gold-standard tests for methanol detection are time-consuming and expensive, requiring trained personnel and specialized laboratory equipment.