Vodka With a Bite!

A Texan rancher has been arrested for selling vodka spiked with rattlesnake!

"Bayou Bob" Popplewell has run Brazos River Rattlesnake Ranch for over 20 years. He raises and sells rattlesnakes and turtles and has never had a problem. But his latest business endeavor, consisting of a rattlesnake bottled in the cheapest vodka available -- which he refers to as "an ancient Asian elixir" -- has landed him in court.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission found 429 bottles of "snake vodka," and one bottle of "snake tequila." Selling at nearly $25.00/bottle, that's nearly $10k worth of booze! Unfortunately, Bayou Bob forgot to get his liquor license. He contends the drinks, which he says are super-sweet and comparable to cough syrup, are actually a medicinal mixture which many Asians regard as "almost a spiritual thing." And an Asian studies lecturer agrees.

Apparently, the "real" version of snake liquor involves only the snake's bladder, and is thought to improve eyesight and sexual performance -- "the ancient version of Viagra," according to the lecturer.

But the Texas ABC says, "He knows what he's doing." Bayou Bob faces up to one year in jail and a hefty fine. 

Being in Texas, however, if Bayou Bob is found to be functionally retarded, he will be executed.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008