Eleni

In the past week, the Greek news has reported that recent tests conducted by government investigators showed that 100 percent of rum and tequila served at inspected nightspots in the greater Athens area was adulterated. Half the vodka samples also turned out to be adulterated, while 20 percent of whisky samples had been tampered with.

Adulterating drinks is a way to avoid paying taxes. But since much of the adulteration is with methanol, it also presents a serious health hazard, especially if a person were to have a lot to drink.

The experts' advice is to stick with beer, wine, or ouzo.

TexasAggie

Thnaks for the heads up

FainaAgain

HUH? Greek liquors are routinely comitting adultery?

Bitter

I thought hard liquor could lead to adultery.

Statia

I think I'd be better off drinking methanol than ouzo.

Seriously though...thanks for the info, Eleni.

rex

Although this might seem a bit hypothetical...

I assume that Greek doctors are up on this, if someone suddenly presents with unexplained renal failure, or acidosis or mysterious neurological symptoms. Still, if you were traveling in Greece, and then onward to a not-so-neighboring country - - this would be information worth sharing with a doctor (if you had so imbibed) - - and had an illness that was presenting a diagnostic puzzle.

I'm thinking that the average doctor would not put methanol poisoning near the top of any list, without being offered this kind of news alert.

Best wishes,

Rex

Eleni

Ouzo is funny. I can't stand to drink it in the US. But in Greece, ouzo on ice, in an outdoor cafe on a warm evening, with a little mezedes -- is absolutely perfect. I'm serious!

Eloise

Eleni:

I have noticed the very same thing! It's strange but true...

Gretchen

Ouzo--did you notice you couldn't make a fist after drinking it--Barefoot in the Park.

Underhill

What about retsina?

Eleni

retsina only when it is hot and I am sitting outside at a beach taverna eating fish or other seafood...

Eleni

oh -- underhill, did you mean is retsina adulterated? the answer is no -- retsina is fine, it's the hard liquor that's the problem

Neil_Oz

Both ouzo and retsina can be useful around the home and garden in emergencies, but consumers should be aware that regular disinfectants and paint thinners are cheaper, and possibly safer, alternatives.

ira

Mr Neil,

Bah!

Zorba

FainaAgain

Bitter, if the liquors are hard then yes, it could lead to adultery.

Budman

Retsina -- brings back fond memories of the early 80's. Dinner & a bottle of retsina for $4. Once you get past the first glass and numb your senses, it's great stuff.