From what I can find out there are no Portuguese beers available in British Columbia but be sure to let me know if I am wrong. So this week I will tell you about a brew of another kind.
Most countries have their own version of ‘firewater’ and in Portugal it is called medronho. In the Algarve province (where most medronho is produced) it is called the ‘spirit of the devil’

How strong is it? Well there was one Scottish bar owner who would promise unsuspecting tourists from the Old Country that if they could down six shooters of medronho in succession they could have it for free. Now the hearty Scots are well known for their ability to hold their liquor but only one ever met the challenge and he collapsed soon after downing number six.

But medronho isn’t meant to be gulped it’s meant to be sipped – as the unsuspecting Scots found out to their discomfort. The alcoholic content of this clear (when distilled properly), crisp liquor ranges between 45 and 60 per cent.

Medronho translates as ‘arbutus’ in English and the medronheiro tree, which carries the berries that the liquor is made from, is a member of the arbutus family.

I don’t believe medronho is available for sale in B.C. but if you have Portuguese friends you might ask if they have any homemade stuff hidden in the cupboard. Just remember – sip it.

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