The Wines, Ale, and Spirits of Roshar
Wines is an important part of Vorin culture, and it generally encouraged for drinking. Wines are made from a variety of fruits, flowers, spices, and grains, which all grow in or around the Savalashi area. The wines are categorized based on color, with pink being the weakest (more juice than anything alcoholic) and violet being the strongest (similar to mid to high strength spirits on earth). The attached diagram explains the wines, their color, their strength, and their taste. Most table wines in are about 7%-15% ABV, however a 15% wine is described by wine makers as "the same as drinking a 12.5% then having 3 vodka tonics". Whiskey has about 40%-48% ABV, and Vodka has anywhere from 40% to 95% ABV.
Pink: Pink wine is a juice, with almost know alcohol in it. It has approximately 1% ABV, and is most often consumed by Rosharan who are in their "teen years" of maturity, as well as elderly Rosharan's who appreciate wine flavor but can't handle intoxication. It is a floral wine, and many report it helps with alertness, often used by adults with hangovers to help with waking up. Cup - 1 sapphire chip
Orange: Orange wine is the first wine with a real amount of alcohol in it, though it is still very low. It has approximately 4-5% ABV, and is most commonly consumed by members of the ardentia, since it is also not intoxicating except in large quantities. Orange wine is a sweet fruit wine, similar to a dessert wine on earth, which features a little spice (usually ginger). Cup - 1 Emerald chip
Yellow: Yellow wine is the first of the age restricted wines, as it is the first wine that has a real amount of alcohol. At 9%-10% ABV, yellow is a light drink often consumed by adults in the morning with breakfast, or by duelists to calm their nerves. Adults must be of age (18 equivalent) to drink yellow. Yellow is similar to a white wine from earth, often full of flavor, yellow can be a bit drier than orange or pink. Cup - 1 Diamond mark
Auburn: Auburn wine is the first of the two most common wines for day to day drinking, and the most consumed wine. At 12.5% ABV, Auburn is consumed by adults in Roshar for any reason, and is very similar to Earth's red wine. Auburn wine has the most variety in terms of taste, but usually is mulled with a number of spices. Auburn is the wine that someone from Earth would describe as wine. Cup - 1 Ruby mark
Red: Red wine is the second most common wine for drinking, and is the midpoint between wine and more spirit like alcohol on Roshar. With a 20-25% ABV, it is consumed by adults on the older side of drinking age, usually new drinkers remain in the pink-auburn range for a short time developing their taste for alcohol before venturing on to Red. Red is similar to a very light and flavorful spirit, often including spices like cinnamon, and features a light burn aftertaste. Cup - 1 Sapphire mark
Sapphire: Sapphire wine is the first of the spirit wines, often taken in smaller doses than the previous five wines. It's at about 40% ABV, and is consumed by adults looking for a good time, but still want to remain coherent for most of the night. Similar in flavor to whiskey, it's not greatly liked by the drinking community, though some will have a glass after dinner. Some will mix sapphire and red together, making a more spiced sapphire dubbed "Amethyst wine", that is a little weaker (around 35% ABV). Cup - 1 sapphire mark & 1 diamond mark
Blue: Blue wine is a strong wine, and is generally served in quantities of about 6-8oz at a time. At 50% ABV, Vlue is consumed usually by young adults who wish to party, but is generally avoided by anyone who isn't a seasoned drinker. Made from fermented berries, lemon, and grain, blue wine is the Roshar equivalent to tequila (though the flavor of Blue is a little fruitier better than it's earthly counterpart). Cup - 1 Sapphire mark & 1 ruby mark
Violet: Violet wine is the strongest of the 8 Vorin wines, and is usually only served in small glasses about 3-5 Oz. Ranging from 60-70% alcohol, Violet is a very hard wine that even the most veteran of drinkers try to avoid. Having the distinct smell and taste of ethanol, spices, and the smell from the Sandalwood barrels it's aged in, Violet doesn't really have an Earthly counterpart in terms of flavor, though it's closest comparison would be extremely strong gin. Cup - 1 Emerald mark
Most locations have their own form of ale or beer on hand, each house has a brew named for them, which is generally the most popular beer in that territory. Outside of Alethkar, Herdaz, Jah-Keved, and Veden each have their own beer. Kharbranth doesn't produce alcohol, and the most popular beer there is Thanadal beer. The most popular ale in Roshar is produced in Savalashi, called Dragon's Breath Ale. While some taverns brew their own ale, it is usually easier to just order from Savalashi. It is customary to order whatever beer is on tap if a customer is not interested in ale, and it's silently insulting to tavern owners if you attempt to order a beer from a different high lord's territory. Higher class establishment's will often have their high lord's beer and Dragon's breath, as well as at least one foreign beer.
Dragon's Breath Ale: ABV 12.5% Mug - 2 Ruby chips Gallon - 1 ruby mark
Thanadal Beer: ABV 6% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Aladar Lager: ABV 8% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Kholin Cider: ABV 4% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Sadeas Brew: ABV 7% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Hatham Beer: ABV 5% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Sebariel Lager: ABV 7% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Ruthar Brew: ABV 6% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Roion Lager: ABV 4% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Jah-Keved Cider: 3% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Herdaz Servaisa: 7% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Veden Stout: 9% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Aside from what's already been discussed in the wine and beer sections, there are two other alcohols consumed in Roshar: Dragonborn White and Upper Isles Wind.
Dragonborn White: Dragonborn white is the strongest alcohol in Roshar. A closely guarded secret for years, Dragonborn white is clear liquid some call the "9th wine". Exactly the same as vodka, Dragonborn white is 70-95% ABV depending on who's making it. The Dragonborn who live in the mountains generally brew it to 70%, but many distillers in Roshar go to 80-85%. In cheaper or more cutthroat taverns a sort of bootleg Dragonborn white is distilled to 90-95% ABV. served in 1-1.5 Oz shots, 5-6 Oz has been known to take down a full grown owlbear, though no one knows who tested that. Shot - 1 Sapphire mark & 1 Ruby mark
Upper Isles Wind: The Upper Isles Wind is a very flavorful alcoholic drink most popular with airship pilots, captains, and of course the residents of the upper isles. At about 30-40% ABV, UIW features a slightly bitter chocolate and coffee flavor, which overpowers the alcohol taste (minus the slight burn after). It's famous for "keeping the watch up at night, and keeping the midnight flight captain's in the air". When added with cream and a little sugar, it's called an Airship Horn. Cup - 1 Sapphire Mark, Airship Horn - 1 Sapphire mark & 1 diamond mark.
Wines
Pink: Pink wine is a juice, with almost know alcohol in it. It has approximately 1% ABV, and is most often consumed by Rosharan who are in their "teen years" of maturity, as well as elderly Rosharan's who appreciate wine flavor but can't handle intoxication. It is a floral wine, and many report it helps with alertness, often used by adults with hangovers to help with waking up. Cup - 1 sapphire chip
Orange: Orange wine is the first wine with a real amount of alcohol in it, though it is still very low. It has approximately 4-5% ABV, and is most commonly consumed by members of the ardentia, since it is also not intoxicating except in large quantities. Orange wine is a sweet fruit wine, similar to a dessert wine on earth, which features a little spice (usually ginger). Cup - 1 Emerald chip
Yellow: Yellow wine is the first of the age restricted wines, as it is the first wine that has a real amount of alcohol. At 9%-10% ABV, yellow is a light drink often consumed by adults in the morning with breakfast, or by duelists to calm their nerves. Adults must be of age (18 equivalent) to drink yellow. Yellow is similar to a white wine from earth, often full of flavor, yellow can be a bit drier than orange or pink. Cup - 1 Diamond mark
Auburn: Auburn wine is the first of the two most common wines for day to day drinking, and the most consumed wine. At 12.5% ABV, Auburn is consumed by adults in Roshar for any reason, and is very similar to Earth's red wine. Auburn wine has the most variety in terms of taste, but usually is mulled with a number of spices. Auburn is the wine that someone from Earth would describe as wine. Cup - 1 Ruby mark
Red: Red wine is the second most common wine for drinking, and is the midpoint between wine and more spirit like alcohol on Roshar. With a 20-25% ABV, it is consumed by adults on the older side of drinking age, usually new drinkers remain in the pink-auburn range for a short time developing their taste for alcohol before venturing on to Red. Red is similar to a very light and flavorful spirit, often including spices like cinnamon, and features a light burn aftertaste. Cup - 1 Sapphire mark
Sapphire: Sapphire wine is the first of the spirit wines, often taken in smaller doses than the previous five wines. It's at about 40% ABV, and is consumed by adults looking for a good time, but still want to remain coherent for most of the night. Similar in flavor to whiskey, it's not greatly liked by the drinking community, though some will have a glass after dinner. Some will mix sapphire and red together, making a more spiced sapphire dubbed "Amethyst wine", that is a little weaker (around 35% ABV). Cup - 1 sapphire mark & 1 diamond mark
Blue: Blue wine is a strong wine, and is generally served in quantities of about 6-8oz at a time. At 50% ABV, Vlue is consumed usually by young adults who wish to party, but is generally avoided by anyone who isn't a seasoned drinker. Made from fermented berries, lemon, and grain, blue wine is the Roshar equivalent to tequila (though the flavor of Blue is a little fruitier better than it's earthly counterpart). Cup - 1 Sapphire mark & 1 ruby mark
Violet: Violet wine is the strongest of the 8 Vorin wines, and is usually only served in small glasses about 3-5 Oz. Ranging from 60-70% alcohol, Violet is a very hard wine that even the most veteran of drinkers try to avoid. Having the distinct smell and taste of ethanol, spices, and the smell from the Sandalwood barrels it's aged in, Violet doesn't really have an Earthly counterpart in terms of flavor, though it's closest comparison would be extremely strong gin. Cup - 1 Emerald mark
Ales and Beer
Most locations have their own form of ale or beer on hand, each house has a brew named for them, which is generally the most popular beer in that territory. Outside of Alethkar, Herdaz, Jah-Keved, and Veden each have their own beer. Kharbranth doesn't produce alcohol, and the most popular beer there is Thanadal beer. The most popular ale in Roshar is produced in Savalashi, called Dragon's Breath Ale. While some taverns brew their own ale, it is usually easier to just order from Savalashi. It is customary to order whatever beer is on tap if a customer is not interested in ale, and it's silently insulting to tavern owners if you attempt to order a beer from a different high lord's territory. Higher class establishment's will often have their high lord's beer and Dragon's breath, as well as at least one foreign beer.
Dragon's Breath Ale: ABV 12.5% Mug - 2 Ruby chips Gallon - 1 ruby mark
Thanadal Beer: ABV 6% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Aladar Lager: ABV 8% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Kholin Cider: ABV 4% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Sadeas Brew: ABV 7% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Hatham Beer: ABV 5% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Sebariel Lager: ABV 7% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Ruthar Brew: ABV 6% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Roion Lager: ABV 4% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Jah-Keved Cider: 3% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Herdaz Servaisa: 7% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Veden Stout: 9% Mug - 1 ruby chip & 1 diamond chip Gallon - 1 Diamond Mark & 1 emerald chip
Spirits
Aside from what's already been discussed in the wine and beer sections, there are two other alcohols consumed in Roshar: Dragonborn White and Upper Isles Wind.
Dragonborn White: Dragonborn white is the strongest alcohol in Roshar. A closely guarded secret for years, Dragonborn white is clear liquid some call the "9th wine". Exactly the same as vodka, Dragonborn white is 70-95% ABV depending on who's making it. The Dragonborn who live in the mountains generally brew it to 70%, but many distillers in Roshar go to 80-85%. In cheaper or more cutthroat taverns a sort of bootleg Dragonborn white is distilled to 90-95% ABV. served in 1-1.5 Oz shots, 5-6 Oz has been known to take down a full grown owlbear, though no one knows who tested that. Shot - 1 Sapphire mark & 1 Ruby mark
Upper Isles Wind: The Upper Isles Wind is a very flavorful alcoholic drink most popular with airship pilots, captains, and of course the residents of the upper isles. At about 30-40% ABV, UIW features a slightly bitter chocolate and coffee flavor, which overpowers the alcohol taste (minus the slight burn after). It's famous for "keeping the watch up at night, and keeping the midnight flight captain's in the air". When added with cream and a little sugar, it's called an Airship Horn. Cup - 1 Sapphire Mark, Airship Horn - 1 Sapphire mark & 1 diamond mark.
Comments