Fireball Cinnamon Malt Labels Could Confuse Retail Purchasers

Fireball Whisky maker Sazerac Co. can’t shake a proposed class suit alleging it dupes consumers into thinking a nearly identically named and packaged “Fireball Cinnamon” malt beverage is a mini-version of its flagship product.

A reasonable retail purchaser could still be confused or misled by the labels, the US District Court for the Northern District of California said Wednesday in denying Sazerac’s dismissal motion.

Sazerac’s Fireball Cinnamon Whisky has been sold in the US since 1989, Christopher McKay said in his suit. It’s a Canadian whisky with added cinnamon syrup and sweeteners. The whisky is 66 proof or 33% alcohol ...