Odontol
The distilled spirit of the eastern forest
Aussi écrit : hâ, gin africain, whisky africain
What is it?
A homemade spirit made from palm wine or maize grain, sugar and Garcinia lucida bark (essok), then distilled. Very strong and cheap, which partly explains its popularity.
Where does it come from?
- East — Speciality
A homemade, uncontrolled spirit: its strength varies widely and drinking it carries real health risks. Cameroonian law treats it as a drug; it was banned in the 1970s and consumption is now tolerated.
Main ingredients
- Palm wine or maize
- Sugar
- Garcinia lucida bark (essok)
How to enjoy it
A strong spirit, to be consumed with the greatest caution.
Origin and tradition
Produced in forest areas, mainly in the East. Its name comes from a brand of toothpaste sold in Cameroon. It is also called "African gin" or "hâ".