All you ever wanted to know about Thai Whiskey

Is it that you find the entire subject of Thai Whiskey a bit too confusing? Well if that is so then you should know that it’s quite natural because there is often more than one drink going under the same title of ‘Thai whiskey’. Apart from that the biggest possible confusion is that a flurry of Thai Whiskeys are actually not Whiskey at all but are Rum due to being produced from Sugar Cane or Molasses.

But, certainly the fact remains that Thai whiskey is indeed quite unique and comes in numerous ‘flavors’. Then of course it is always worth its value besides another go. Now coming to the point Yaa Dong is one of the REAL Thai Whiskeys which used to be a rage earlier has lost some bit of its popularity nowadays. It is basically a Thai Herbal Whiskey. Apart from that a lot of Thai Whiskeys have something added but this one in particular is not only a recreational drink but also directed as a cure for specific ailments.

Traditionally speaking Yaa Dong has been reckoned as a beverage brewed, distilled and drank at home. Its base ingredient comprises of Lao Khao along with various products being added to it. Although it is primarily produced as a cure, it is also a sought after family drink with its recipes being passed on through generations. Then also it is commonly held in clear glass jars where the clear liquid is infused with a blend of leaves, tree bark and roots. Not to forget the numerous infusions hold a reputation of possessing various powers including aphrodisiac like properties.

Yaa Dong can usually consumed at room temperature by being sipped as a shot without mixing with anything. Yaa Dong is normally savored along with a snack of pickled Bilimbi which are served in a saucer in addition to a mix of dried crushed Chillies and Sugar. Then there is another popular whiskey namely Lao Khao which is basically distilled from rice beer (Sahtoe).  It is colourless and possesses an absolutely different taste to Scotch. Quite often it is marketed with names such as ‘Cobra Whiskey’ and is more of a product meant for the tourist market.