Buzz
As Homer Simpson once famously quipped, alcohol is both the source of and the remedy for all of humanity's troubles. For thousands of years, people have been consuming alcohol, and it might even be the foundation of civilization itself—farming could have evolved to supply the materials needed for brewing. Today, the market for alcoholic drinks is more crowded than ever. To succeed, a drink must truly stand out. Here are ten of the most peculiar alcoholic beverages you can find.
10. The Globe's Priciest Beer
Brewdog, a Scottish craft brewery, is known for pushing the boundaries of beer. In 2010, they created a 55% ABV beer named The End Of History. While they had previously brewed high-alcohol beers, this was their ultimate achievement, hence the name. Not meant for gulping by the pint, it was recommended to enjoy it in small sips. With a price tag of £500-700, you'd want to savor every drop.
The price variation was due to the unique packaging. Only 12 bottles were initially produced, each encased in a stuffed squirrel or stoat. The cost depended on the size of the animal used. Those who missed the first release later had a chance to acquire a bottle through a brewery-led crowdfunding campaign. Contributors who pledged over $20,000 received a complimentary bottle of The End Of History, still presented in its taxidermy container.
9. Infused Vodkas
Vodka's primary appeal lies in its effectiveness—it gets you thoroughly intoxicated. However, its downside is its lack of flavor, often tasting only of pure alcohol. To counter this, people have experimented with infusing vodka with various flavors. While some opt for simple fruit infusions, others venture into more unconventional territory. Sweet enthusiasts can enjoy options like marshmallow, salted caramel, popcorn, or almost any sugary treat. Similarly, those preferring savory flavors will find plenty of options to satisfy their cravings.
The Alaska Distillery crafts a unique vodka that has become a key ingredient in what’s known as Alaska’s Signature Cocktail. Their Smoked Salmon-flavored vodka is said to pair exceptionally well with a Bloody Mary. Using glacial ice water, they infuse the vodka with salmon, resulting in a soft pink hue.
Another intriguing addition to your Bloody Mary could be bacon-flavored vodka. Bakon Vodka dedicated two years to perfecting the infusion of bacon flavor into their vodka. For some reason, they were convinced this unusual combination would succeed.
8. Fermented Mare’s Milk
Throughout much of history, drinking water has been a hazardous endeavor. Contaminated with human and animal waste, water was a common source of deadly diseases. Fermentation, and the alcohol it generates, became one of the most effective methods for eliminating bacteria. On the Asian steppes, nomadic tribes created a mildly alcoholic drink from the milk of the mares they rode.
Kumis, also called Airag, is a traditional Mongolian beverage made from fermented mare’s milk. The milk is collected in a large leather container and stirred continuously for two days. This process introduces oxygen, allowing yeast and bacteria to thrive. These microorganisms convert some of the lactic acid into alcohol, resulting in a drink with about 2% alcohol content. Their metabolic activity also produces carbon dioxide, giving the milk a slight fizz. Additionally, fermenting mare’s milk is essential because raw milk has a strong laxative effect on humans.
For those seeking a stronger drink, Arkhi is an option. This is a distilled version of Airag, increasing the alcohol content to around 10%. The flavor of Arkhi can vary, with some describing it as slightly rancid or having a goaty taste, depending on its quality.
7. Snake Wine
Snake wine is exactly what its name suggests. Venomous snakes, often cobras, are submerged in rice wine and left to steep. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the venom dissolving in the alcohol is believed to impart health benefits. This unique beverage is commonly found in China and Southeast Asia.
To enhance the flavor or medicinal properties of the wine, additional ingredients like berries, herbs, spices, or even geckos are often added to the mix. Tourists can purchase bottles containing these unique additions to take home, though the drink is typically served in shot glasses without any unsettling remnants.
In many cases, live snakes are placed into bottles and drowned in rice wine. This grim method isn't always foolproof, as there have been instances where snakes survived for months by entering a hibernation-like state, only to awaken and attack unsuspecting drinkers.
6. Gilpin Family Whisky
James Gilpin has applied his understanding of human biochemistry to create a unique alcoholic beverage. Aiming to raise awareness about diabetes, he utilized a natural byproduct of Type II diabetes. Individuals with this condition struggle to regulate blood sugar levels, often resulting in high glucose concentrations that are excreted in urine. Gilpin collected urine from elderly diabetics and transformed it into a single malt whisky.
Fermentation fundamentally involves converting sugar into alcohol using yeast. Gilpin filters the urine to extract the sugar, which is then used to fuel the fermentation process. Interestingly, his own grandmother has contributed some of the raw materials for this unconventional project.
Unfortunately(?), this whisky won’t be widely distributed but will instead spark discussions about whether we should be utilizing resources that are typically discarded.
5. Three Penis Wine
Traditional Chinese medicine makes another appearance. Alcohol serves as an excellent solvent for molecules that don’t dissolve well in water, making it a practical medium for extracting beneficial compounds. In China, to restore male vitality, the solution is direct: traditional pharmacies offer wines infused with penises. One standout product takes it further by combining the potency of three penises in a single brew.
Tezhi Sanbian Jiu, a rice wine that looks ordinary at first glance, translates to Three Penis Liquor. Those brave enough to try it will supposedly gain the benefits of deer, seal, and dog penises in their glass. Predictably, it’s primarily men who seek out this drink, though it’s also believed to support kidney health. Perhaps the makers overlooked a chance to market it to women with kidney-related concerns.
4. Anty Gin
In recent years, Nordic cuisine has experienced a remarkable revival. Copenhagen's Noma has claimed the title of the world's best restaurant four times. Known for its bold originality, during its London visit, Noma served a unique dish featuring cabbage leaves and live ants.
Rene Redzepi, the head chef at Noma, established the Nordic Food Lab, a non-profit dedicated to exploring 'food diversity and deliciousness.' Collaborating with a gin distillery, they've popularized the taste of ants. Each bottle of Anty Gin contains the essence of 62 hand-foraged wood ants, selected for their defensive chemical spray that emits unique aromas, enhancing the gin's flavor.
For those intrigued by this exotic blend of insect essences, a bottle will set you back £200.
3. Beer Crafted from Human Yeast
Yeast is ubiquitous, covering and inhabiting our bodies as we live. Generally harmless, these microorganisms play a crucial role in our body's ecosystem. In brewing, yeast is indispensable for alcohol production. Innovatively, some brewers are now utilizing yeast derived from humans to create their beverages.
John Maier, the head brewer at Rogue Brewery, led the search for a unique yeast strain to innovate their beer recipes. After exploring conventional sources, a humorous suggestion led them to Maier’s beard, unshaved since 1978. From nine beard hairs, they cultivated a perfect brewing yeast, likely a blend of wild and brewery strains. This discovery resulted in the 2014 release of Rogue Beard Beer.
In 2016, a Polish company launched a crowd-funding campaign to brew beer using yeast harvested from a model’s intimate areas. While the yeast strains used in brewing differ from those typically found in humans, the idea sparked curiosity. Despite skepticism, the novelty of the concept is likely to attract attention.
2. Poured Over Women’s Breasts
For those seeking a unique twist in their drinks, a German company, G Spirits, offers alcohol poured over a model’s breasts. This unconventional method caters to individuals desiring a touch of human connection in their beverages.
G Spirits provides whisky, rum, and vodka treated with their signature process. Each bottle includes a certificate signed by the model, verifying the alcohol’s contact with their skin, along with a photo of the model during the process. The company uses a custom glass basin to capture the alcohol and offers videos of the production. Priced at around $200, G Spirits promises a premium product infused with the allure of beauty, though its impact on flavor remains untested.
1. Sourtoe Cocktail
At the Downtown Hotel in Dawson City, Canada, guests can partake in a truly unique experience. Simply order a shot of your preferred spirit, recite the Sourtoe oath, and the bartender will drop a genuine human toe into your drink. Once you finish the shot, ensuring your lips touch the toe, you’ll officially join the Sourtoe Club. The club’s golden rule? “Drink it fast or slow, but your lips must meet the toe.”
The story behind the toe dates back to the Prohibition era, when a rum runner allegedly lost his toe to gangrene after being caught in a brutal blizzard. He reportedly amputated it with an axe and preserved it in rum. Years later, the toe was discovered, though the origins of its transformation into a cocktail ingredient remain a mystery.
The toe used today isn’t the original one. Over the years, several toes have been accidentally swallowed by daring participants. In 2013, one individual intentionally swallowed the toe, paying the $500 fine without hesitation. Today, the penalty for swallowing the toe has skyrocketed to $2500. Fortunately, the hotel has secured donations of additional toes to keep the tradition alive.
