Before we begin, yes, we realized that alcohol has been
prohibited in Iran since the establishment of the Islamic Republic
Government in 1979.
While some exemptions are made for members of religious minorities, like Christians,
Jews, and Zoroastrians, these allowances aren't typically
respected by law enforcement, and can often land the person dealing
with or drinking alcohol in a world of hurt.
And we mean that quite literally.
Drinking alcohol is a highly punishable offense, regardless of whether the
offender is a man or a woman.
Having said that, Iranians can throw down a bottle of hooch like nobody's business.
And honestly, it's not all that shocking.
After all, wine, which was better known as mey or badeh in Persia,
has a long and important history in the region.
This stuff's practically intertwined in their DNA.
Just ask 23andMe.
No, no, don't worry, not a single DNA strand was harmed in the
making of this film.
Anyway, time to book it to the Middle East and get the liquor lowdown on one of the
most controversial drinking cultures in the world.
This is how Iranians drink.
Ready for some stats?
Good, because we're about to drop some pretty surprising numbers on you.
Even though Iran ranks number 166 in alcohol consumption per capita, yes,
even with the total ban on alcohol, the World Health Organization estimates
that for people who drink 35 liters or more alcohol over the course of a year,
the country comes in at 19th in the world, which puts it ahead of the U.S., Britain,
and even Russia.
In fact, if you look at official statistics issued by the Iran government,
10% of the country's population uses alcohol, and 30% of that group is women.
Yep, the ladies know how to hold it down and live it up.
Interestingly, it's Iran's urban middle class leading the
spirits Renaissance, normalizing drinking culture so that it
mirrors the West.
And part of that is due to an interesting dichotomy.
For a nation with a total ban on hooch, it's actually relatively easy to come by,
thanks to home distilling, and a vast network of alcohol suppliers
that will deliver pretty much any spirit right to your doorstep,
like Iran's version of Drizly but way more discreet.
Also prepare to shell out some serious paper for their smuggled booze.
A bottle of Chivas will run you around $200, vodka sells for $100,
and wine is a veritable bargain at $50.
When it comes to what's in their glass, Iranians like it doggy style.
We're talking about Aragh Sagi of course, and the name literally translates
to doggy distillate.
Essentially, it's the Iranian version of moonshine, typically clocking
in at 70% ABV, but occasionally hovering over the 90% mark.
Yeah, Aragh Sagi doesn't come to play.
Made from fermented raisins, this high proof hooch was popular
before the 1979 revolution, and it remains an under the counter
favorite today, that's typically sold in four-gallon jerry cans.
The taste is similar to a Grappa, but with considerable more burn.
Now, why the canine connection?
Before the revolution, the Iraq bottle was branded with a picture
of a beagle by the Meikadeh company.
Not long after the public began calling it Aragh Sagi or Aragh Doggy.
The more you know.
One thing you'll quickly notice in Iran, people are exceedingly friendly.
An invitation to someone's home for a meal or some tea is business as usual.
Just don't expect a welcome glass of wine or bottle of beer when you arrive.
Social and legal stigmas hold strong.
But amongst the middle and upper class, illicit rooftop soirees and backroom
parties are the norm.
And if you manage to make your way to one, you'll likely come across some Aragh
Saghi moonshine, or imported bottles of vodka, whiskey, and tequila.
And really, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes
to imbibing with Iranians.
But if food is present, just take care to eat using your right
hand and try a bit of everything that's served.
It's considered good manners.
After all, your mama taught you better than that.
Sure, alcohol is legally banned in Iran.
Well, at least for the most part, but a lot like prohibition in the U.S.,
the spirit of the people to enjoy a tasty adult beverage goes unbroken.
Where there's a will or a backroom distiller, there's a way.
And nowhere is that more true than in Iran.
Be salamati!