As a sommelier and brewer, I have encountered a wide array of alcoholic beverages, each with its own unique name and characteristics. However, there is one type of alcohol that stands out from the rest due to its unconventional origins and the slang names it has acquired. This infamous concoction is commonly referred to as prison alcohol, but it goes by many other monikers such as hooch, jail alcohol, jail wine, toilet wine, and Pruno.
The slang terms for prison alcohol reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of inmates who are determined to satisfy their craving for alcohol despite the harsh realities of confinement. These homemade alcoholic drinks are created through a combination of ingredients that can be found within the prison walls, often using unconventional methods and makeshift equipment.
One of the most common names for prison alcohol is “hooch.” This term is believed to have originated from the word “hoochinoo,” which was used in the 19th century to describe illicitly distilled liquor. Hooch is a catch-all term that encompasses various homemade alcoholic beverages produced in prisons. It has become synonymous with prison alcohol due to its widespread use and availability behind bars.
Another slang term commonly used for prison alcohol is “jail wine.” This name is derived from the process of fermenting fruits or other ingredients to produce an alcoholic beverage. Inmates often rely on fruits, such as apples or oranges, as a base for their homemade wine. They extract the juice, mix it with sugar or other fermentable substances, and allow it to ferment over a period of time. The result is a crude, low-alcohol wine that provides a temporary escape from the monotony of prison life.
Similarly, the term “toilet wine” is used to describe prison alcohol that is fermented in toilet bowls or other makeshift containers. This name highlights the unhygienic and unsanitary conditions in which these beverages are often produced. Inmates resort to using whatever containers they can find, such as plastic bags or even socks, to ferment their alcoholic concoctions. The use of toilet bowls as vessels for fermentation is not only a testament to the limited resources available to inmates but also a reflection of their determination to find a way to indulge in alcohol despite the odds.
One particularly infamous slang term for prison alcohol is “Pruno.” This name has gained widespread recognition due to its association with prison culture and the notoriety of the drink itself. Pruno is a combination of various ingredients, including fruits, sugar, bread, and sometimes even ketchup or other condiments. These ingredients are mixed together in a sealed container and left to ferment for several days or weeks. The resulting beverage is often described as foul-tasting and potent, but it serves as a means for inmates to temporarily escape the realities of their confinement.
The slang terms for prison alcohol reflect the creative and resourceful nature of inmates seeking to satisfy their desire for alcohol within the confines of a correctional facility. Whether it's called hooch, jail alcohol, jail wine, toilet wine, or Pruno, these homemade beverages represent a way for inmates to temporarily escape their surroundings and find solace in the simple pleasure of a drink. While the names may vary, the ingenuity behind their creation remains a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt and persevere, even in the most challenging circumstances.