December 11, 2002 -- A common request received at World of Beer is for information regarding the global availability of Nigerian-brewed Guinness, a version of the famous Irish stout produced from sorghum rather than barley malt. But reports from Nigeria now indicate that even the locals may be having a hard time finding the real thing.

According to a recent story in The Times of Lagos, Nigeria, that country is beset by the problem of counterfeit beers being sold as famous labels. The targets are apparently the country's three best-selling brands: Guinness Extra Stout, Star Beer and Gulder.

The report, written by Amos Adetunji and the result of considerable research into the problem, alleges that so-called second-tier brands like Harp, Legend Extra Stout and '33' are being rebottled and sold as the leading sellers. Additionally, the story maintains that the beers are being adulterated with flavouring agents before that rebottling.

The counterfeiting, says the report, is carried on at major distributors. Said one bar operator who declined to be named: "Only big time distributors are into this business and they mix the fake brands with the ones they have in stock."

The Nigerian government is aware of the problem and is reportedly taking steps to crack down on the fake brews. One measure recently enacted requires that a 'Best Before' date be either laser or inkjet printed onto each bottle, can or keg of beer sold in Nigeria.

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