An alcohol watchdog is warning of the risks of drinking home-distilled spirits following the death of an Auckland teenager. 

Tyson Devon, 18, was drinking homebrewed spirits with friends at a birthday party in Rosehill, South Auckland on Saturday afternoon when he passed out and was later found dead. 

His death has been referred to the coroner. 

Alcohol Healthwatch director Rebecca Williams said drinking home-distilled spirits was fraught with risk. 

"The trouble with the spirits is you don't know the alcohol content." 

Brewing spirits was a huge risk to drinkers, which had been highlighted overseas, she said.

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