The Whiskey Bottle Revelation: How Larian's Publishing Director Secretly Leaked Baldur's Gate 3 Release Date

In the world of video game marketing, leaks come in various forms—data breaches, insider slips, or carefully orchestrated teasers. But few have been as unconventional as the method employed by Larian Studios' Publishing Director, Michael Douse, back in 2021. Half a decade later, with Baldur's Gate 3 having achieved monumental success, Douse finally revealed a secret he had kept: he had handwritten the game's release date on a bottle of whiskey and left it in a public bar, waiting for someone to discover it. Remarkably, nobody did for five years.

The story unfolded when Douse took to social media platform X in 2026 to share the bizarre tale. "5 years and a pandy ago," he wrote, referencing the pandemic period, "I wrote the BG3 release date on this bottle of whiskey and let it hang at the bar, and nobody found it." This wasn't a typical corporate-approved marketing stunt but rather a personal, almost whimsical act by a key executive. The revelation sparked both amusement and disbelief within the gaming community, highlighting how even the most anticipated secrets can remain hidden in plain sight.

Douse's confession came with an intriguing tease: "maybe I did it again." This playful suggestion has since fueled speculation among fans, with many now scrutinizing whiskey bottles at bars worldwide, wondering if another Larian secret awaits discovery. The original bottle was identified as Japanese Suntory whiskey, though Douse remained vague about the bar's location, describing it only as "the bar." This ambiguity adds to the mystery, leaving fans to imagine where this cryptic artifact might have been displayed.

Reflecting on the incident, Douse noted that he eventually "drank from the mythical bottle of secrets" himself, closing the chapter on this unusual leak. The episode underscores several fascinating aspects of modern game development and marketing:

• Unconventional Communication: In an era dominated by digital leaks, a physical, handwritten note on a whiskey bottle stands out as remarkably analog.

• Community Engagement: Douse's revelation wasn't just about sharing a secret; it was an invitation for fans to participate in a shared narrative, blurring the lines between developer and audience.

• Timing and Impact: The leak occurred years before Baldur's Gate 3's actual release, yet it went unnoticed until long after the game had launched, suggesting that even the most transparent hints can be overlooked.

This incident contrasts sharply with typical industry leaks, which often involve data miners scouring game files or insiders sharing confidential documents. Here, the information was publicly accessible yet remained hidden due to its unconventional medium. It raises an interesting question: in a digital age, are physical secrets more secure simply because people don't expect them?

Douse's actions also reflect Larian Studios' unique culture, known for its transparency and close relationship with fans. Unlike many publishers that tightly control information, Larian has often embraced organic, community-driven moments. The whiskey bottle leak—though unintentionally discovered—fits this ethos, serving as a quirky footnote in the game's storied development.

As of 2026, Baldur's Gate 3 continues to be a benchmark for RPG excellence, having won numerous awards and maintained a dedicated player base. The whiskey bottle story adds a layer of folklore to its legacy, reminding fans that behind the polished gameplay and expansive narratives, there are human stories of creativity and spontaneity. Whether Douse has indeed planted another secret remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in the world of gaming, sometimes the most memorable moments come from the least expected places. 🥃🎮