EASTERN INTOXICANTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3124, 21 January 1911, Page 4

EASTERN INTOXICANTS.

SAKE, S A .M'S HU, AN J) HOCSHU

Sake is the national beverage of Japan. A writer in the '■Lancet'’ records that it has a peculiar flavor not comparable to any European drink, is made from fermented rice by an intricate process in winter time, and contains from 1.1. to 14 per cent, alcohol.

It is a necessary constituent of t very ceremonial Japanese dinner, is se.vod h.nt. in little ampulla-like jars, end drunk with much formality from squat, earless sake cups containing approximate Iv two ounces.

To the European palate it tastes sour ar first, but a preference for it is readily acquired. Curiously enough, it has a more powerful effect on the Japaieve than on Europeans. The Chinese have two alcoholic drin'ks —sainslm and hoeshu. Sninshu is simply another name for arrack, nut hoeshu i< a much more aristocratic drink. We cannot describe it fetter than in the words of that inimitable rid buccaneer, Dumpier:— • "This is a strong liquor, made of wheat, as [ have been told. It look..

ike mum (a peculiar kind of beer ma-ic from wheat malt), and tastes much .ike it. and is very pleasant and lieartv. Our seamen love it mightily, and w.ll lii.k their lips with it, for scarce a ship goes to China hut* the men come lame fat with soaking the liquor, and briii"- stores of jars of it- home i»’th them.” -

It is put up in smrtll, squat, wh’te 'jais. sealed with «a wooden plug, e:ed with a thick mass of prepared clay, extendir" half way down, tlie neck.