photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment
ctfchallenge | all galleries >> Challenge 78: Think Inside The Box >> Challenge 78:Eligible > Snake Sake *
previous | next
02-APR-2005 alexoki

Snake Sake *

Okinawa, Japan

What you see inside this bottle of Okinawan sake (awamori) is the deadly Habu Viper. It is one of the most venemous snakes in the world and can be found all over Okinawa as well as inside sake bottles. It certainly gives the sake a bit of bite.

Canon EOS 10D ,Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
1/30s f/3.2 at 50.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
comment | share
fraktol 18-Aug-2007 17:35
Snakes are generally "venomous" which means a substance must be injected into the bloodstream in order to cause harm. Most snake venoms (I don't know of any that don't) breakdown harmlessly if injested, whether alcohol is present or not. Technically snakes have "venom" sacks, rather than "poison" sacks.
Paul 18-Jun-2007 19:06
For all of ya'll that is wondering no it does not taste that bad. I have had it on many occasion's when I was stationed in Japan. It is not as bitter as most people think and no you can not buy it in the states. Unless it is out there on the "black market" Hope this helps
Jim 17-Jun-2007 00:58
Can you buy it in the US?
ctfchallenge11-Apr-2005 16:10
Thanks Gayle. No I have never tried the stuff because not only is it very expensive but it is also very smelly! -alexoki
alexeig10-Apr-2005 02:50
Thats a pity, Gayle. You have some nice wines down under.
Canon DSLR Challenge09-Apr-2005 11:41
Do you drink this stuff? I cannot for the life of me imagine how bad it must taste.
Another reason I don't drink alcohol....you just never know what you're gonna find at the bottom of the bottle.
Interesting photo, by the way! Well seen and shot.
Gayle
ctfchallenge08-Apr-2005 14:00
Thanks for the comments. You can't really tell from these two bottles but the fangs and poison sacks are not removed. I have been told that the poison dissolves into the alchohol and becomes harmless, but they do remove the internal organs and blood before sewing the snakes back. Suposed to cut down on the smell! alexoki
ctfchallenge08-Apr-2005 01:43
Alexoki, This a great catch. This is definately unique. I love the fact that each picture gives us a view to such a different culture and diversity. You didn't mention but I have assuming that they have removed the poison sacs and fangs. -Cat
alexeig06-Apr-2005 19:54
I like warm tones here, thanks for showing us this exotic drink.