B is for Barons, Krišjānis and Bērzu Sula (birch sap)
Barons (born 1835) had a magnificent beard. The other thing he is known for is his work documenting Latvian folk songs from all parts of the country and publishing them in six big volumes. The over 200,000 folk songs form a significant cornerstone of Latvian identity and cultural pride. He even published a section specifically dedicated to 'naughty' folk songs, full of sex and splendid vulgarity, including – wait for it – bestiality. Seems Latvians were quite sexually open-minded before the Christians turned up and made them feel guilty about it.
Every year in spring when the snow has almost completely melted and nature is slowly starting to wake up, Latvians head out to the forests to their favourite birch trees. They tap those bad boys for the healthy sap flowing up their trunks. Fresh birch juice doesn't taste dissimilar to slightly sweet water, but is full of wonderful things (proteins, amino acids, enzymes) to strengthen your health after a long cold winter, or just a heavy night on the piss. When not drunk fresh, the sap is naturally fermented to create a refreshing, slightly carbonated drink which can keep all year. This stuff is ace, trust me.
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