Thinking of a relaxed Sunday afternoon and the first thing that comes to your mind probably is a mug of chilled beer enjoyed with close friends or relatives. International Beer Day is here and we must appreciate how beer has become one of the most widely-consumed alcoholic beverages today. Though beer is generally associated with English pub culture, we also have desi rice beers in different parts of India.
North East is indeed a gem with untouched beauty. Apart from its lush greenery, North East is a habitat for amazing drinks, many of which are hardly known. If you are adventurous enough and looking to go beyond the regular and craft beer available elsewhere, North East is the place that needs to be on your bucket list. On the occasion of International Beer Day, we have brought a list of rice beers from North East that you definitely cannot say no to. See yourself!
One of the costliest rice beers in Tripura, Chuwak is freshly brewed using fermented rice. Pretty famous for its unique taste as well as aroma, this rice beer is also known as Langi as they are served in earthen pots. This Tripura’s signature beverage takes three to five days in getting brewed properly. Prepared by local tribal women, this drink is consumed on special occasions.
- Chhang
This white-coloured rice beer is made up of rice, barley, and millet grains. Chhang is a popular drink in Nepal and Tibet but is also consumed by North Eastern communities like Sherpa, Magar and Tamang. Chhang is stored in bamboo barrels called ‘dhungo’ and is drunk from a bamboo receptacle using a bamboo pipe. Though has a lesser alcohol content, this beverage is generally drunk during winters.
Zutho is a rice beer of Nagaland and is available in different levels of potency based upon the level of the fermentation process. Made of sprouted rice drain, this beverage is typically prepared by the Mao and Nagami tribe of Nagaland. Zutho, brewed in Kohima, has popularity because of its sour taste and fruity aroma.
Image credits: The Hindu
- Opo
- Sujen