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 record of spiyrt was a journal by Patrist monk Konstantin at the monastery Svetoprolech. He wrote in an entry dated as the winter of 822 that a strange man had wandered into the monastery suffering from frostbite and severe hypothermia. After recovering enough to speak, he told them "a recipe for the liquid fire of the Divine."

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 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, distillers, and shopkeeping.