“Although I am already 69, I think that drinking Lao Khao may help me live another 50 years!”
I am my village’s ‘Lao Superman.’ I am energetic, lively, and despite my age, I have a youthful spirit. But some of my liveliness is probably because of my home brewed Lao Khao (whisky). Lao Khao is the traditional alcohol of our culture. Everybody has their own recipe. I learned from my friends, who showed me the fermentation process five or six years ago. Ever since, I have been perfecting my recipe. Lao Khao holds an important place as the cultural drink at local events, especially for the older generation. Young people now, particularly in the cities, are drinking more beer and imported whisky. But for celebrations in the rural areas, it is still common to find Lao Khao. I served the drink at my niece’s wedding and then my son’s, enjoying it with my village as we celebrated together. I feel happy that I can be a part of continuing these cultural practices in our village.
The essential ingredient to my recipe is a medicinal plant. It gives my Lao Khao its extra boost. I grow the plant in my fish pond and then I pick and dry it. Then I need honey, which is the most difficult ingredient to get because I must wait for traders to come to my village. When they come, I buy many bottles because I never know when they will be back. The last ingredient I need is alcohol made from the dark rice. It is a famous rice in Huaphanh and I get it from my own rice fields. Once I have all the necessary ingredients, I blend them and ferment the Lao Khao for three to six months.
Although I am already 69, I think that drinking Lao Khao may help me live another 50 years! My whole village would agree that my plantation is the best, and they know that even though I am old, I am the strongest. I have earned their respect through my hard work and success. Now that I am farming coffee, I have learned to pick, roast, and brew it all by myself! Brewing coffee is like brewing my Lao Khao because finding the right technique for the perfect cup can be a challenge. I like the taste of coffee, but I don’t think it will stop me from drinking my Lao Khao. Coffee cannot make me feel as strong as my whisky can.
Before I go to work in my fields, I have a quick shot. My plantations are located on a hill and so I need to be able to climb up the mountainside easily and stay in good health. I find Lao Khao gives me the extra power to work hard and stay active. Everyone else is envious of how much I can accomplish in a day. I feel so strong that I think I can fly. But in reality, I think Lao Khao just makes me more productive. At night, I take one shot to help me fall asleep after a long day of hard work. Drinking makes me feel more relaxed and makes time spent with my friends more fun. I also get the courage to talk with the ladies in my village so that they make me the best papaya salad.