Firewater in Papua New Guinea is a big deal, but in Goroka they do things a bit differently. Here the local weapon of choice is Live Lave – AKA “Ginger Smash”.
And it turns out, as I was to discover, that not only is it legal, but it is a big deal. You know the kinda thing you get drunk on as a high school kid and reminisce about. And it’s not all that bad.
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What the Live Lave?
Live Lave is made by the same Goroka family behind the Roots Mangi Ginger I have previously written about, with New Guinea Fruit producing local fruit wines here since 1997. Roots Mangi was the first ginger wine I came across, but Live Lave seems to be the more widely known brand around Goroka.
Apparently the name means “Live Love”, which is about as wholesome as a bottle of ginger booze gets. Although word on the street is that this is the starter booze for the local youth too,.
Strength and availability of Live Lave
The stuff by the looks of things is legal and relatively available, unless of course it is the Goroka Show and it all runs out. The cost is about K20 (US$4.50) a bottle, so cheap, but at only 11 percent nowhere near as good a “kick” value as Paiawara.
Availability seems to be at both liquor stores, as well as hole-in-the-wall type shops, which makes it a little different to beer. Although on the night we were searching, seemingly everyone was drinking it and availability was scarce. We did though not give up time; l we found it.
And the taste of Live Lave?
The video below best describes the taste of Live Lave, but bitter, very ginger-like and one that “gets better the more you drink”. At least that is how our guys described it.
@thestreetfoodguys #livelave #goroka #paiawara #gorokashow #pngtiktok@Young Pioneer Tours ♬ original sound – TheStreetFoodGuy
It is also, like Soju, a bit of a creeper. At first it did not feel all that strong, BUT that is in comparison to liquor, or indeed steam. When combined with a few beers though it had the creeping effect and did the trick.
Honestly, a truly unique PNG drink and pretty much the best you can do in Diwai Lodge trying to find something interesting to do in Goroka.
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