Okay, I don’t really understand the entire Indian ‘sanskaari’ notion of alcohol being a bad thing. All I had to do was brew the information I already had (get it? get it?) and voila! I had a list of local liquors which are pretty damn awesome! So to inspire all teetotallers and to motivate all retiring drunkards, here are a bunch of crazy local liquor favorites!
1. Kallu (Kerala, Karnataka and many other coastal states): I will start with my favorite and for all those who think toddy is coarse, fuck you! Ridiculously simple to make, its chief ingredient is fermented coconut and the alcohol quotient is a minimal 5-10%. A perfect substitute for those expensive breezers, eh?
2. Tharra: How am I not going to talk about the bad-ass one of the lot? Can be found at places with sugar cane supply and ahem… illegal distilleries. Fuck strong, can’t store for long and believe it or not, a whopping 90% alcohol quotient! We are talking a Balkan 176 proof vodka strong!
3. Arrack (coastal states and pretty much anywhere you know a supplier): Meet the father of vodka and the inspiration behind rum. Basically, Arrack is one of the oldest brews ever and with a solid 50-70% alcohol, this could kick Hill’s Absinthe Whiskey’s refined ass. Yep, this night belongs to Arrack!
4. Feni: This has to be the most popular one, hailing from the paradise of all drunkards, Goa. Feni has the cult status of being a true original, since it is unavailable elsewhere. Tastefully created from fermented cashew apples and with 42% alcohol, Feni can smoothly replace vodka.
5. Mahua: All you Mumbaikars, don’t be heartbroken! We have a Mahua in Maharashtra to save our ass. Made from Mahua flowers and distilled for days, this dude can give any scotch a run for its money!
This broke babe will choose these over mainstream alcohol any day. These are bloody yum and also, best for the pocket! Gotta catch’em all!
