Desi daru, also known as country liquor or Indian-made Indian liquor, is a traditional alcoholic beverage from India. It is produced by fermenting and distilling molasses, a by-product of sugarcane, and typically has a lower price point than other spirits.
How it is made
Desi daru is created through the fermentation and distillation of molasses, which is a by-product of sugarcane production. This process results in a local alcoholic beverage that is often more affordable than commercially produced spirits.
History
The term 'desi' refers to traditional or native products, while 'daru' is a Persian-derived term used for alcoholic beverages in India. Country liquor has been consumed for generations in the Indian subcontinent and remains popular due to its low cost.
Types and styles
Desi daru is a broad term that includes both legally and illegally produced local alcohol. While desi daru typically refers to legal alcohol, other types of country liquor like arrack and palm toddy may be categorized as moonshine alcohol. Tharra is one specific style of desi daru.
Social issues
Being the cheapest alcohol available, desi daru is widely consumed among lower-income groups in India. However, illicit production can lead to harmful impurities, and there have been reports of deaths from illegally-made toxic moonshine liquor.
Styles and varieties
- Tharra