Spiyrt

Spiyrt ("Spirit"), known colloquially as Veyaska ("Inferno") or Karjinova is a traditional Novenadian herbal liquor distilled in the Karjinian Patrist monasteries. Due to the high alcohol by volume (87-97.2%), drinking more than 160mL at a time can be fatal to the average kerbal. Many Karjinians have built up a tolerance to alcohol and are able to ingest up to approximately 180mL before entering a coma. Spiyrt is composed of distilled alcohol aged in a casket with several high-altitude herbs native to the Karjinas, often diluted with glacial meltwater before consumption to reduce the risk of alcohol poisoning. The exact methods of distillation and combination of herbs is unknown, as the full recipes are trade secrets and differ between monasteries. Some monasteries have allegedly used psychoactive herbs in the mixture to achieve enlightenment; however, these claims are rumors and there is no evidence any exported liquor has contained psychoactive substances.

History

Origins

The first recorded reference to Spiyrt is found in a journal by Patrist monk Konstantin at the Varoslav monastery. He wrote in an entry dated to the winter of 822 that a man had been taken into the care of the monastery suffering from frostbite and hypothermia. After recovering, he gifted them "a recipe for the liquid fire of the Divine." The recipe is said to contain various alpine herbs generally growing above 3-4 kilometres above sea level, and a several step distillation process used to maintain the flavors despite the high alcohol content.

Medieval Period

From its creation up until around the mid 2080s, distillation and use remained strictly monastic. Communities grew around these monasteries, establishing ritualized trades and jobs around Spiyrt production. Traditions grew around the liquor, often centering around coming-of-age, marriage, or a similar milestone.

Revolution

Facing persecution by the Horvat-led NKR, the Karjinian monasteries were quick to offer their quiet support to the KPR. Guerilla fighters were sheltered in monasteries and the surrounding communities, and supplied with Spiyrt. Besides its role as "liquid courage", popular accounts detail Spiyrt being used as a disinfectant and sedative in field hospitals when supplies were low, and starting fluid for emergencies. The colloquial name Veyaska originates from this period, refering to the way it dulled the effects of the cold on soldiers in the Karjinas.

Contemporary Period

After the end of the revolution and the establishment of modern Novenad, the government instituted the Monasterial Act, which recognized the religious right of the Patrist Church of Novenad to keep the recipe a trade secret. The Government of Novenad distributes annual licenses to retailers and distillers allowing them to sell the liquor, limiting the production and sale to trusted organizations only, as well as requiring random toxicity screenings.

Cultural Significance

Spiyrt is deeply rooted in Patrist religion, and is used in monasteries for rites and blessings. Monastic bottles and casks are sold blessed and sealed with wax, and breaking the seal outside of ceremonial contexts or social milestones is considered taboo. Original casks are often used as a state gift to foreign dignitaries, accompanying or in the place of the traditional goat and stockings.

Monks will often choose trades relating to the production of the drink, such as casket-making, distilling, and shopkeeping.

Types

Overproof Veyaska

Overproof Veyaska is the legal name for officially manufactured monasterial Spiyrt with an ABV of 90% to the practical maximum, 97.2%. Overproof is almost never drunk neat due to the high risks of overconsumption. Generally, Veyaska is mixed with glacial meltwater or a sweet tea to release herbal flavors.