Hmong Rice Wine

  One Hmong tribal family we visited was making "rice wine". When we entered their house on a cold rainy day, the whole family was huddled in front of the wood burning still. Grandma and her son were overseeing the "wine" making process. As the children children huddled in front of the fire, Granda made sure all visitors got a sample of her product. She noticed Karen didn't have any ( it was mid morning ) and insisted the she try a glass. As I sipped her product, I remarked to Karen that it didn't taste like wine. Karen agreed that it was very strong. I peered into the large wooden vat looking  down into a clear liquid smelling strongly of alcohol. I looked next to the still and saw a large container of corn mash. I asked our interpreter/guide what I was looking at, she questioned Grandma and replied  that the left over mash was a byproduct of the  "wine " making, and would be feed to the pigs. This wasn't wine, it was corn liquor, good old moon shine !! Grandma and her son were completing a large batch of booze ! I'd guess the large vat held 35 gallons. They were very proud of it.