Hotel Rwanda: Beers Of Choice And Cultural Significance

The 2004 film Hotel Rwanda depicts the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who sheltered over 1,200 people during the Rwandan genocide. In the film, Paul uses beer to bribe Hutu soldiers and prevent them from entering the hotel. While it is unclear exactly which beer is featured in the film, several popular Rwandan beers include Primus, Mützig, Amstel, Turbo King, and Skol. Additionally, traditional banana beer, known as urwagwa or urugwagwa, is commonly brewed and consumed in Rwanda.

Banana beer, or Urwagwa, is a traditional Rwandan alcoholic drink

Urwagwa is made through a week-long process that begins with ripening a type of banana called "imbihire", mostly underground. After 3-5 days, the bananas are peeled, mashed, and kneaded with grass in a wooden bowl made from a tree trunk. This bowl takes the form of a U-cylindrical shape to extract the sweet juices from the fruit. Roasted sorghum is then added before the drink is left to ferment for another 1-2 days. The sweetened Urwagwa is then sieved and served in beautifully decorated gourds, also known as calabashes.

Urwagwa is a popular drink in Rwanda and is often brewed at home. It is also available in shops and bars, either in plastic containers or bottles. While the beer market in Rwanda is considered bland by some, local alcohol production is thriving.

Ikivuguto, or fermented milk, is another ancient, non-alcoholic Rwandan drink

Ikivuguto is served in milk bars across Rwanda, and can be enjoyed hot or cold, and is often topped with honey or sugar. It is also served at breakfast or lunch, providing an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to socialise.

The process of preparing Ikivuguto involves the use of indigenous microorganisms, leading to a variety of tastes in the final product. The drink is produced by the spontaneous acidification of raw milk by a microflora present on utensils and containers used for milk preservation, as well as in the nearby environment of cattle. This traditional method does not allow for the product to be shelf-stable. Modern dairies now use exotic strains to produce fermented milk products with more stable shelf lives.

In the past, cows and milk were integral to Rwandan culture, with cows serving as a symbol of wealth and social status. Cows were also used as a form of currency in the region from the 15th century until 1954. In Rwandan culture, cows and milk are associated with well-wishes and gratitude, and cow-inspired movements are incorporated into traditional dances.

Ikigage is a common beer in Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and the DRC

Ikigage is a traditional beer commonly served in Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and the DRC. It is typically brewed from sorghum grains using a simple fermentation process that involves malting, drying, milling, souring, boiling, mashing, and alcoholic fermentation. The drink is shared during festivals and traditional wedding ceremonies, served in a large clay pot placed centrally to allow encircling drinkers to draw their long cane drinking straws. Others drink Ikigage from gourds using shorter straws.

Ikigage is similar to other traditional sorghum beers found in other African countries, although the specific contents and fermentation processes applied can lead to variations in taste. In Rwanda, banana beer, known as Urwagwa or Urugwagwa, is also popular. This is made by ripening a specific type of banana called "imbihire" for several days, after which they are peeled, mashed, and kneaded with grass in a wooden bowl. Roasted sorghum is then added, and the mixture is left to ferment for another day or two. Sorghum is also sometimes added to banana beer prior to fermentation, giving it a sour kick.

Rwanda's beer market is dominated by bland, cheap lagers such as Primus, Mützig, and Amstel, with similar offerings from Skol and Heineken. However, local alcohol production is strong, with banana beer and banana wine being particularly popular.

Turbo King is a high-gravity, molasses-based dark beer marketed as a man's beer

In the film *Hotel Rwanda*, beer is used by the protagonist, Paul Rusesabagina, to bribe Hutu soldiers to stay away from the hotel he is protecting during the Rwandan genocide. While the film does not specify the brand of beer used, it is likely that Paul would have used a beer that was locally available in Rwanda. One such beer is Turbo King, a high-gravity, molasses-based dark beer marketed as a "man's beer".

Turbo King is a popular beer in Rwanda and is one of the country's highest-rated beers, according to RateBeer.com. It is a dark lager with an ABV of around 6%, which is higher than the average beer in Rwanda. The beer is produced by Bralirwa, the largest brewery in the country, and is available nationwide.

Turbo King is made with molasses, which gives it a distinct flavour and a high gravity. This type of beer is often referred to as a "dark beer" in Rwanda and is in contrast to the lighter lagers, such as Primus and Mützig, that are also popular in the country. The high gravity of Turbo King is likely one of the reasons why it is marketed as a "man's beer", as it has a higher alcohol content and a stronger flavour than other beers.

The marketing of Turbo King as a "man's beer" taps into traditional gender norms and the idea that men are supposed to be strong and powerful. By associating the beer with masculinity, the brand may be appealing to men who want to assert their masculinity or feel like they are part of a traditional idea of manliness. This type of marketing is common in the alcohol industry and is often used to create a sense of exclusivity or prestige around a product.

In addition to Turbo King, there are several other traditional alcoholic drinks in Rwanda, such as Urwagwa, a banana beer, and Ikivuguto, a fermented milk drink. These drinks are often served at festivals and traditional ceremonies and are an important part of Rwandan culture and hospitality.

Beers available in Rwanda include Primus, Mützig and Amstel

Rwanda has a diverse drinking culture, with options ranging from traditional ales to modern lagers. Beers available in the country include Primus, Mützig, and Amstel, which are commonly found in bars. Primus, a low-ABV rice and maize lager, is particularly popular and affordable, retailing at $0.85 USD for a 72-cL bottle. Mützig is also widely available, with Mützig Lite being a top-rated beer in the country.

In addition to these commercial beers, Rwanda has a vibrant local alcohol production scene. Banana beer, known as urugwagwa or Urwagwa, is a traditional alcoholic drink made from unripe or ripe bananas. The brewing process involves ripening bananas, typically underground, for 3-5 days, after which they are peeled, mashed, and kneaded with special grass in a wooden bole. Roasted sorghum is added before fermentation, resulting in a sweetened beer that is then sieved and served. Banana wine, or Akarusho Biere de Banane, is another variation, with a higher ABV and a drier finish.

Local production also includes sorghum beer, such as Impeke, and traditional ales like Akarusho Biere de Banane and Kweza Ubuki Honey Amber Ale. Dark beers, like Turbo King, marketed as a "man's beer", are also available. While Rwanda's beer market may be considered bland by some, the country's drinking culture extends beyond beer. Milk, for example, is a favourite drink, served fresh or fermented, hot or cold, in milk bars across the country.

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