The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) busted Bayou Bob's Brazos River Rattlesnake Ranch in Palo Pinto County for producing illegal vodka. They’re lucky the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) didn’t catch him first.
Now I’m all for beverages with an extra bite, however this drink is going to extremes. Bayou Bob’s was busted will 411 bottles of vodka infused with 10-inch rattlesnakes.
You read that right. 10-inch rattlesnakes.
Would you infuse your vodka with rattlesnake?
Bayou Bob claims on his website to be one of America’s foremost herpetologists with over 35 years of experience. I know many famous herpetologists, and I’ve never heard of him. I seriously doubt a reputable herpetologist would infuse snakes in vodka. The first question about snakes that he answers on his website is “How do I skin, tan, and cook a snake, or what can I do with a dead snake?” He’s quite the snake lover.
The FAQ on his site also states “If you do not have an economic or food purpose for the snake, then let it be!” Well apparently Bayou Bob found an economic purpose for his rattlesnakes. The alcoholic beverage is considered an aphrodisiac in Asia (along with everything else weird), and some people believe that the venom causes hallucinations.
This “animal lover” was famous last year for sending a few turtles over to Asia, a few meaning 42,000 turtles. The turtles are considered a delicacy in Asia. The turtle trade was closed down after Texas wildlife officials created heavier restrictions.
The next economic opportunity was naturally the rattlesnake hooch. I’m still confused why he bothered making his own vodka. Despite how you might feel about the snakes, his crime is manufacturing alcohol for sale without a permit. If he just infused the snakes with store-bought vodka and got a license, he might be ok. Since he made his own vodka, he’s just another dumb beer (vodka) nut.
