The Logistics of Settling In 191Some of the oldest known beer recipes come from the
hieroglyphics of ancient Egypt. Contemporary Egyptian
beer—Stella Local and Stella Export—are readily available
at many restaurants, as are some imported beers. Egyptian
wines, some of which are quite tasty and others not very
good, are also available at many places in Egypt.
Buying imported liquor is easiest and cheapest at duty-free
shops. Otherwise, count on it being very expensive. Imported
liquor is served by the glass at better hotels and restaurants
throughout Egypt, where drinks are typically quite expensive.
You can also buy imported liquor from the few major liquor
stores, but be sure to ask specifically for imported liquor and
check the label carefully.
There are a few small stores located throughout Cairo
that sell liquor. Many of the local liquors have labels that
look just like those of imported liquors with the exception
that one word on the label may be different. An example is
the substitution of the word ‘Waller’ on the local variety for
the word ‘Walker’ on one famous brand of imported liquor.
Avoid purchasing these imitations, as the contents bear no
resemblance to their famous imported counterparts.
Although I have never confirmed the rumour, local folklore
suggests that the imitation liquors can cause blindness.
Confirmed deaths and severe illness have occurred as a
result of alcohol poisoning from these products. This was
because the principal component of the bottles’ contents
was rubbing alcohol. Some of the local, cheap liquors have
very unusual smells and tastes, reminiscent of what could be
a combination of perfume and formaldehyde. Since people
scrounge through garbage for empty used foreign liquor
bottles, which are then recycled to bottle local mixtures,
you might consider breaking all old liquor bottles before you
dispose of them to help eliminate this hazard.