What is going on with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky? (2024)

FAQs

What is going on with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky? ›

Customers are suing the company for fraud, alleging the packaging is misleading. Consumers are suing Sazerac Company, Inc., the makers of Fireball whiskey, for fraud and misrepresentation, as the mini bottles of the alcoholic beverage don't actually contain whiskey.

The lawsuit said that the Sazerac Company's representations of Fireball Cinnamon were “false and misleading” and that the bottles “appear similar” to Fireball Cinnamon Whisky bottles. Both bottles have a red cap, a yellow label with the word “Fireball” and a logo featuring a fire-breathing, dragon-like creature in red.

Fireball Whisky is being pulled from shelves in Europe because it contains too much propylene glycol – an additive that prevents evaporation and is a stabilizer in foods. But it's not going anywhere in the United States.

Does Fireball Still Contain Propylene Glycol (PG)? All versions of Fireball, both in the U.S. and the rest of the world, are 100% PG (propylene glycol) free.

Fireball is no stranger to controversy. In 2014, several countries recalled the product, claiming it contained an ingredient commonly used in antifreeze. Fireball emphasized it was safe to drink but did recall the drink and reformulate it to be sold in Europe.

Consumers are suing Sazerac Company, Inc., the makers of Fireball whiskey, for fraud and misrepresentation, as the mini bottles of the alcoholic beverage don't actually contain whiskey.

Fireball was recalled due to concerns it contained an ingredient used in antifreeze. This ingredient is propylene glycol, otherwise known as part of the mixture used to de-ice airplanes. In 2014, Fireball was recalled in European countries because propylene glycol levels were deemed too high.

► Propylene Glycol can cause nausea and vomiting. ► Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and passing out.

In 2014, some European countries reported that Fireball contained amounts of propylene glycol that exceeded the European Union limitations of 1 g/kg. The US Food and Drug Administration allows about 50 g/kg of propylene glycol in foods.

The difference between the two drinks is that Fireball Cinnamon is actually a malt-based beverage with 16.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), while Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is whisky-based and has an ABV of 33%. “The labels look almost identical,” he wrote. “That is intentional.”

Is Fireball almost antifreeze? ›

Is there an antifreeze in Fireball whiskey? No, there is no antifreeze in Fireball Whiskey. This rumor though, does have a kernel of truth in it's center. Fireball whiskey, and some other flavored whiskey-like products contain one of the main ingredients of some antifreeze types called propylene glycol.

Propylene glycol is used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries as an antifreeze when leakage might lead to contact with food.

The original Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is 66 proof and is made of whisky with natural cinnamon flavor, according to its label. The malt beverage version's label, which says “Fireball Cinnamon” without the whisky, says it is 33 proof and made of malt beverage with “natural whisky and other flavors and caramel color.”

The difference between the two drinks is that Fireball Cinnamon is actually a malt-based beverage with 16.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), while Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is whisky-based and has an ABV of 33%. “The labels look almost identical,” he wrote. “That is intentional.”

The federal lawsuit seeks over $5 million in damages on behalf of over 100 plaintiffs, but anyone who lives in Illinois, North Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Alaska, Iowa, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, Arizona, South Carolina, or Utah and bought Fireball Cinnamon can join it.

On the flip side, Fireball is allowed to label its products as whisky since it's categorized as a flavored whiskey due to the addition of sweeteners and cinnamon flavoring.