The Bristol Methanol Massacre | Montpelier News

In 1914, thirteen men in Vermont’s town of Bristol died from methanol poisoning after drinking alcohol laced with deadly wood alcohol sold by local doctor Don A. Bisbee. Operating under a loophole in Vermont’s “local option” dry town laws, Bisbee sold what he claimed was liquor—but it was actually toxic methanol, likely from cologne spirits he purchased. Though he claimed ignorance, he was convicted and sentenced to 12–15 years. After a settlement with the wholesaler and serving four and a half years, he was pardoned—but his past resurfaced when a newspaper exposed him. The tragedy ignited debate over liquor laws, public compliance, and shared responsibility between seller and supplier. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3a223420d1e8e577