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Post by davekiwi on Apr 5, 2011 18:47:54 GMT 12
Saw this in the NZ Herald today: www.nzherald.co.nz/wine/news/article.cfm?c_id=365&objectid=10716666Ivan I salute you, as one of the many who had the fortune, or misfortune <sic>. to consume numerous bottles of Purple Death via the AFC, Airman's Club etc. Purple Death - your "fame" will live for ever :-). (So, if I get back to NZ this year, gotta go and get PD and bring it back to Singapore ;D, I know some ex British Army type who may just be willing to try it .. hahahaha) |
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E.T.
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 78
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Post by E.T. on Apr 5, 2011 19:23:07 GMT 12
When we went over to USA for the first Project Kahu training course we took one 750ml bottle and one 2L flagon of Purple Death. The customs guy was very dubious about letting it in the country but we convinced him and got away with it, but it was disappointing the Americans at the "Kiwi cultural night" didn't seem to want to try it!
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Post by skyhawkdon on Apr 5, 2011 19:47:04 GMT 12
I was just saying to someone the other day I wonder if you can still buy Purple Death. Man I have some bad memories of that stuff  It turned your tongue green for days after a session on it! I seem to recall in the late '80s the Ohakea Baggies Club even had it on tap (might have just been for the annual Beer Fest?) and we drank it by the handle (and fell over very shortly after!). I recall it was a real hit at CIT in Wellington too ET!! ;D |
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Post by chewy on Apr 5, 2011 19:55:07 GMT 12
When mixed with lemonade it became a great thirst quencher. It was one of those drinks you did not spill on a white carpet. Many a tee shirt carried those stains. The Ohakea canteen allways had it in stock.
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Post by philip on Apr 5, 2011 20:00:33 GMT 12
I remember it well   |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 5, 2011 20:08:24 GMT 12
RIP Ivan!
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Post by oj on Apr 5, 2011 21:53:17 GMT 12
Forgive me. It was not around when I was in the mob. What is Purple Death?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 5, 2011 22:28:33 GMT 12
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Post by raymond on Apr 5, 2011 22:49:44 GMT 12
Ah Yes purple Death! I remember it I recall late 1970's early 80's at a 5 Sqn Fincastle competition,
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 5, 2011 23:12:31 GMT 12
OJ, this is from the Sapich's own website" PURPLE DEATH An unusual "Rough-as-Guts" aperitif that has the distinctive bouquet of horse-shit and old tram tickets. it is best drunk with teeth clenched to avoid foreign bodies. Connoisseurs often drink this strange brew in conjunction with other beverages which complement, or mask, the delicate flavour of Purple Death. Please note, the term 'some' implies a certain flexibility Russian Jumper (with some vodka) American Purple (with some Bourbon) Purple Lady (with some Gin) Purple Randy (with some Brandy, a rose and candles) Purple Carribean (with some white Rum and a parrot) Or use for: punch base, ice cream topping, trifles, steak marinade or with fruit juice. www.sapich.co.nz/purpledeath.htmlIt seems to have been the drink the fuelled the RNZAF's spirit. Maybe Purple Death should become official sponsors to the RNZAF and have the logo painted on the tail of all the aircraft? ;D What was the logo, a skull and crossbones from memory? |
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Post by beagle on Apr 6, 2011 17:30:37 GMT 12
Yes, Purple Death was mandatory in the Pack Up when going away with 5 Sqn to Fincastle.
Complete with drench gun, it certaintly subdued the poms and canuks
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Post by Deane B on Apr 6, 2011 19:03:14 GMT 12
LOL - fond (or not so fond) memories of that stuff. I thought I left it all behind after leaving Woodbourne baggies in the late 80's, but as Beag's said - you didn't do a Fincastle without it - and I did two (bugger!)From memory Sapich did a special brew for us - I won't mention the alcohol content, but we did take about 40 litres of it to Canada in 1993 !! Some say it will turn your insides out. And some say it will put hairs on your hairs. All we know is - you've never had a night at the baggies until you had drunk a bottle of PD !! Last year we were discussing Purple Death around a BBQ and a friend had an unopended bottle which they gladly gave to me. Its still tastes just the same and is a great little after dinner conversation piece - especially for those brave enough to try. A picture paints a thousand words (and a taste will send you back 20 years !!):   |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 6, 2011 19:43:25 GMT 12
A Purple Death trifle sounds the goods!
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E.T.
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 78
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Post by E.T. on Apr 6, 2011 19:51:46 GMT 12
"marketed under the saviour brand" !!! :-)
That label is I think now been subject to a little modernisation. I saw a bottle of the stuff last year IIRC and there was a somewhat different description on the label. No mention of the jockstrap or socks IIRC which I felt was to it's detriment.
I have to admit to not having developed a HUGE liking for it, but certainly a healthy respect! Like Don said, it was quite magic how a purple drink could turn things green - if you'd been eating whole kernal corn before a few PD's it was entertaining for the unitiated to see the subsequent steaming pile of green corn regurgitated among the shrubbery!
Gosh I'm glad we all grew up and became cultured!! ;D
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Post by Deane B on Apr 6, 2011 20:06:42 GMT 12
Can't say I like it much either. I don't mind a little sip, buts its still tastes like very alcoholic cough syrup !!
Funnily enough, I think we all found out that over indulging in any alcoholic beverage will turn lots of things funny colours the next morning!!
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Post by pjw4118 on Apr 8, 2011 8:46:24 GMT 12
Yes the Great Purple Death, not the name of the product but more how you felt the morning after.
Its still made and sold by Sapich Bros from their vineyard in Forrest Hill Rd Henderson , Steve is the concoctor. By the number of Air force posters and Squadron badges on display , a visit to Sapichs must have been compulsory for all Whenuapai visitors.
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Post by jonesy on Apr 26, 2011 18:57:29 GMT 12
Is it as bad as it was in the late '80s? From memory it was the same colour on the way out....
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It turned your tongue green for days after a session on it! I seem to recall in the late '80s the Ohakea Baggies Club even had it on tap (might have just been for the annual Beer Fest?) and we drank it by the handle (and fell over very shortly after!).
