It is made by Sudanese women as a source of income.[1] Merisa is made by brewing dates, millet and sorghum. The brewing process has been described as complex by Western beer making standards with over a dozen steps.[2] Merisa has an 8-10 hour fermentation process and has an alcohol content of up to 6%.[3]
It is illegal to drink or sell Marissa in Northern Sudan under Muslim Sharia laws, under penalty of 40 lashes, fines and imprisonment.[4]
Baboons in Sudan are known to drink merisa when offered.[5]
