Idaho State Police Crack Down on Infused Alcohol

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho State Police have bolstered the Alcohol Beverage Control Unit and are cracking down in Boise on infused alcohol such as bacon-infused whiskey and basil-infused vodka. Lt. Russ Wheatley tells the Idaho Statesman the drinks violate Idaho law because the process of infusing the alcohol means taking alcohol out of a bottle and replacing it again. Wheatley says something could be put in the liquor that makes people sick.

Or an employee could replace one type of alcohol with a cheaper brand. Red Feather co-owner Kevin Kelpe says he understands the strict interpretation of Idaho law but questions why it's being enforced now when his bar staff has been infusing alcohol with flavors for a decade. Wheatley says to expect stricter enforcement now that the unit has expanded from two to 10 officers.