In jail, one of the most popular drinks that inmates make is called pruno, also known as prison wine. Let me tell you, it’s not a pretty drink by any means, but it gets the job done when you’re stuck behind bars.
Pruno is essentially a homemade alcoholic beverage that is made using a mix of ingredients that can be found in the prison commissary or even scavenged from the kitchen. It’s a way for inmates to get their hands on some alcohol when they don’t have access to the real stuff.
To make pruno, inmates use a variety of ingredients that can be fermented. The base can be anything from apples and oranges to fruit cocktail and fruit juices. These fruits are often used because they contain natural sugars that can be converted into alcohol during the fermentation process.
In addition to the fruits, inmates will also add things like hard candy, sugar, and high fructose syrup to increase the alcohol content. Some even crumble bread into the mixture, thinking that it contains yeast to help with the fermentation. However, bread actually doesn’t contain enough yeast to properly ferment the pruno.
The process of making pruno is a bit of a science experiment. Inmates will combine all the ingredients in a container, usually a plastic bag or a trash bag, and seal it tightly. The mixture is then hidden away in a warm, dark place for several days to ferment. During this time, the natural sugars in the fruits convert into alcohol, giving the pruno its alcoholic content.
Now, I have to emphasize that pruno is not a pretty drink. In fact, it’s often described as being thick, chunky, and foul-smelling. The fermentation process is not precise, and the end result can vary greatly in terms of taste and consistency. It’s definitely not something you would want to drink if you had other options.
But in jail, where access to alcohol is limited or non-existent, inmates will make do with what they have. Pruno becomes a way to escape the monotony and harsh reality of prison life, even if just for a short while.
I remember my time in jail, and pruno was a common sight. It was brewed in secret, away from the prying eyes of the guards. Inmates would share their recipes and techniques, trying to perfect their own version of the drink. It was a way to pass the time and bond with fellow inmates.
So, while pruno may not be a pretty drink, it serves its purpose in the world of incarceration. It’s a makeshift solution to the desire for alcohol, and it’s a reminder of the resourcefulness and creativity that can arise in even the most challenging of circumstances.