Alcohol in Early Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

There exists several misconceptions on the origin of gin distillation and importation in eastern Nigeria .The historical reality is that prior to the coming of Europeans to the coastal region of the area, the only alcohol brand known to the people was palm wine. It was used for various rituals and social gatherings until the Europeans came with assorted alcohol brands. The exorbitant prices of imported alcohol brands which was a latter development paved way for the distillation of alcohol locally.