Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ISLAMIC BEER BUT NO SHIRAZ
Try to think of your trip to Iran as a cleansing experience for your body, away from nasty alcoholic toxins. This way
you'll feel better about not being able to get a drink. While alcohol is quietly tolerated in Christian communities, it
is strictly forbidden to Iranian Muslims. There is, of course, a black market - oddly enough often operated by green-
grocers - and you'll occasionally hear 'whiskey' whispered as you go by. But, believe us, the sickly sweet clear
spirit you'll likely be sold is rocket fuel.
There are several brands of
ma'-osh-sha'ir
('Islamic beer') proudly declaring '0.0% alcohol'. Russian-made
Baltika tastes most like beer, while Delster comes in several fruit 'flavours' and is popular because it doesn't try too
hard to taste like beer. The lemon version is pleasantly refreshing.
Sadly, the chance of finding a glass of Shiraz (Syrah) in Shiraz is only marginally greater than seeing swimsuit
models at Persepolis. There are various theories on the origin of this grape varietal, most involving cuttings being
taken from vineyards in Shiraz back to the Rhone valley in France during the Crusades. Iranian vines were either
ripped up after the 1979 revolution or now produce raisins. Today there are no (legal) wineries.
