Lao Sticky Rice Wine With A Potent Bite

Have you ever heard of snake and Scorpion wine? Shocked beyond expectations ?

Forget eating the worm after downing your tequila – with these bottles of unusual wine produced in Laos, a tasty tipple comes with a far more potent bite. This potion, known as lao bong ya, is believed to ward off evil spirits and cure the sick.

To prepare this incredible beverage a venomous snake or some scorpions are put into a bottle fulfilled with transparent rice wine liquor and some herbs are added before the drink is left to ferment for months.

Because snake venoms are protein-based, they are inactivated by the denaturing effects of ethanol, and thus are no more dangerous, meaning you’ll avoid a pounding hangover.

Instead, the liquor is considered healthy and seemingly has many health benefits used to treat different health problems such as back pain, rheumatism, lumbago and other health conditions. It’s also widely thought to increase male virility.

Fact is that this is a sad fate for noble creatures, many of which are endangered species.

Source: various