On The Other Hand, The Mahomedan Converts From The Nomad
Tribes Seem To Have Adhered To The Use Of Kumiz Even When Strict In
Abstinence From Wine; And It Was Indulged In By The Early Mamelukes As A
Public Solemnity.
Excess on such an occasion killed Bibars Bundukdari, who
was passionately fond of this liquor.
The intoxicating power of Kumiz varies according to the brew. The more
advanced is the vinous fermentation the less acid is the taste and the
more it sparkles. The effect, however, is always slight and transitory,
and leaves no unpleasant sensation, whilst it produces a strong tendency
to refreshing sleep. If its good qualities amount to half what are
ascribed to it by Dr. W. F. Dahl, from whom we derive some of these
particulars, it must be the pearl of all beverages. "With the nomads it is
the drink of all from the suckling upwards, it is the solace of age and
illness, and the greatest of treats to all!"
There was a special kind called Kara Kumiz, which is mentioned both by
Rubruquis and in the history of Wassaf. It seems to have been strained and
clarified. The modern Tartars distil a spirit from Kumiz of which Pallas
gives a detailed account. (Dahl, Ueber den Kumyss in Baer's Beitraege,
VII.; Lettres sur le Caucase et la Crimee, Paris, 1859, p. 81;
Makrizi, II. 147; J. As. XI. 160; Levchine, 322-323; Rubr.
227-228, 335; Gold. Horde, p. 46; Erman, I. 296; Pallas, Samml.
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