I was visiting Jaipur in the early 2000s and recalled the new law allowing heritage liquors had passed. So I went to a local "wine shop" (which sell spirits, e

I was visiting Jaipur in the early 2000s and recalled the new law allowing heritage liquors had passed. So I went to a local "wine shop" (which sell spirits, etc.) and asked for some "local liquor". The man handed me an Indian version of whiskey. No, I said, I don't want IMFL; give me something that's traditional and local. He sighed, reached down behind the counter by his feet, and pulled out a half liter bottle of a clear liquid which did not even have a label. It was about 25 rupees (around $0.30 today). And sure to blind anyone who partook in it. No thanks, I said, and passed on that quest.