The Casamigos scandal primarily refers to a $20 million lawsuit filed against the tequila brand following an incident where a consumer allegedly suffered severe injuries after ingesting a drink containing liquid nitrogen.
The Casamigos Liquid Nitrogen Lawsuit
The core of the Casamigos scandal stems from a lawsuit alleging severe harm caused by a tequila drink prepared with liquid nitrogen. This incident brought significant negative attention to the brand regarding product safety and consumer warning protocols.
Incident Overview
In a notable incident, a man reportedly consumed a Casamigos tequila drink that had liquid nitrogen introduced into it. Immediately after ingesting the substance, he allegedly suffered grievous bodily harm. Liquid nitrogen, with its extremely low temperature, is typically used for creating a smoky, visually appealing effect or for rapid chilling, but it is not intended for direct consumption.
The Lawsuit Details
Following the incident, the injured individual filed a $20 million lawsuit against Casamigos Tequila. The lawsuit made several key allegations, asserting that the brand bore responsibility for the harm caused.
Key allegations within the lawsuit included:
- Introduction of a "Lethal Substance": It was claimed that Casamigos introduced liquid nitrogen, described as a "lethal substance," into a tequila drink.
- Failure to Warn: A central point of contention was the alleged failure to adequately warn the consumer about the dangers associated with ingesting the liquid nitrogen.
- Resulting Harm: The plaintiff claimed that due to this failure, he injected the substance and suffered immediate and severe bodily harm.
- Liability Claim: The lawsuit sought to establish Casamigos' liability for intentional tort/failure to warn, arguing that the brand had a responsibility to ensure consumer safety and provide necessary warnings regarding dangerous ingredients.
Understanding Liquid Nitrogen in Beverages
Liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic fluid, meaning it is extremely cold, with a boiling point of -196 °C (-321 °F). While it creates an impressive foggy effect and rapidly chills beverages, it poses significant risks if not handled or consumed properly. Ingesting liquid nitrogen can cause severe internal injuries, including frostbite to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach, as well as internal perforations due to the rapid expansion of the liquid as it turns into gas. For these reasons, drinks prepared with liquid nitrogen should be consumed only after the liquid nitrogen has fully evaporated, and clear warnings should be provided to consumers.
