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philipjames · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 37

I know, sounds like a stupid question. Alcohol in Saudi Arabia? But are there not hotels etc. in Rhiyadh where foreigners can grab a beer? Are there places where we can purchase alcohol to drink in our own residences? Surely there must be ways in which foreign embassy staff, contractors, businessmen etc. can get a pint. There are plenty of foreigners who wouldn't agree to a posting in a country where booze is 100% banned.

Can anyone enlighten me to the real situation?
Thanks,
Jameson

johnslat · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 3:09 pm Post subject:

Dear philipjames,

The embassies can bring in booze - they're exempt. But non-diplomatic ex-pats are not.
This article sums it up pretty well; it was published in 2001, but its all still relevant.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1160846.stm

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

There are bootleggers. You can find distilled alcohol known locally as "Sidiki".
If you want beer or wine you may have to make it yourself although some of the bootleggers may also provide locally produced "vino".

On my first contracts here (1970-1972) I was still a drinker. I used to have fantasies about getting a beer. Now I lead a righteous life and it does not worry me !

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 3:23 pm Post subject:

Shhh...brother...Amen...

Ahem...alcohol DOES NOT exist in saudi arabia as the government prohibits it. We English teachers are an honourable band who would not DARE violate the national laws as the nationals wouldn't as well.

John forgot to mention that the embassies have alcohol brought in and consumed there as it is sovereign soil where the embassies exist.

So, no, alcohol does not exist in saudi arabia. It doesn't matter what those C-130's who land near dusk at the end of the week at Riyadh Air Base only to taxi to the waiting fleet of automobiles is bringing in. I'm guessing postage stamps. Alcohol in the tragic kingdom DOES NOT EXIST!!!

Surely, one who would tipple...even for a moment...shall face the Fires of Hell. Ameen.

NCTBA (Not Content To Be an Alcoholic)

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Lashes for offenders - and for those who can't spell "Riyadh"

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 4:07 pm Post subject:

Dear philipjames:

Here's a fun fact! "Alcohol" is borrowed from the Arabic "alcool"! Go figure!

NCTBA

desultude · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 614

I've heard that the local "near beer" can be encouraged to grow up into adult beer with beer yeast and time. A little hops helps a lot. Just a rumor I heard.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 4:50 pm Post subject:

Dear NCTBA,

"The embassies can bring in booze - they're exempt."

"John forgot to mention that the embassies have alcohol brought in and consumed there as it is sovereign soil where the embassies exist."

Ah, thank you for pointing out my omission, you sharp-eyed devil, you.

Very Happy

Regards,
John

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 5:04 pm Post subject:

To be frank, near bear is low-alcohol content beer, but nevertheless...beer. It is forbidden in the tragic kingdom.

What you were told about is what quite a few of us old-times did/do to take the non-alcoholic beer and through the slight of hand and, some yeast to process the sugery-like substance into alcohol or the grape (and other) juices into vino. The process is simple and straight-forward, but I won't discuss it more on this board.

The OP can feel free to PM me for some tricks in the trade. (I wuz jes' jokin' in my earlier post!) Brewing was quite the hobby of mine in saudi.

And, as ever, I applaude scot for his firm stand and resolve in not inducging. I am a mere speck in his shadow...

NCTBA

(The hardest stuff to make that I lovingly made in saudi was Sake. It was a labour of love...)

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 5:11 pm Post subject:

Hey, John:

The funniest joke I ever heard (obviously an urban myth!) was when the Customs Office at RUH called the embassy and reported the the diplomatic pouch (everything from a letter to an Elephant-sized cage is called a 'Diplomatic Pouch' if claimed under immunity) that was vouched as a "Piano" was leaking! Laughing

...

...

NCTBA

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

"A Temperance Home Is A Happy Home"

sharter · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 878 Location: All over the place

Red Wine
-Get 4LTRS of 100% pure red grape juice.
-Add a 1 LB bag of sugar and shake up in a large container....those water bottles you get that sit upside down on machines are good.
-Only fill the container about 80% full then add some water.
-Get a mug, put a spoonful or 2 of yeast in it and very hot water and a few spoons of sugar and stir until the lot is dissolved.
-Add sugary yeast solution to bottle of grape juice.
-Seal pierced condom on top of said bottle using masking tape.
-Wait 2-3 weeks.
-Drink.

For cider, repeat those steps, but use apple juice. "Rauch" is quite a good brand.

You can buy all the ingredients in your local big supermarket in the KSA.

You can go to Bahrain, but you'll blow money like water......especially if you like to get the full service after the Groundhog Day experience of life in the Tragic Kingdom. Remember to keep your wallet in your socks and your socks on!!

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 5:26 pm Post subject:

Yuck! You're one of those "sugar" brewers. Nasty aftertaste and nastier hangovers. I'll jes' bet you like Mad Dog 20/20 as well! Laughing

Son, you gotta move on to da honey! Honey is golden in more ways than one!!!

I remember the first time that I bought my first big batch at Tamimi. I proudly walked up to the cashier with my requisite 3 cases of whatever and Baker's yeast.

His response: "You fergot the sugar." My response: "Sugar sucks!" He process all the other stuff, PLUS the honey with no questions.

I mean, really, would you want something industrially processed or something that come outta bee's butt!

NCTBA

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Well you can drink a couple of dozen of non-alcoholic beers and it has the alcohol equivalent of a pint or two. Or at least that used to be the case.

That's why non-alcoholic beer is banned in Kuwait. I used to buy Barbican smuggled in from Saudi at 5SR a 33cc bottle until I decided some things were too ridiculous for words.

The way you make non-alcoholic beer by the way is to make beer and then take the alcohol out. That explains why it costs more than the real stuff.