The Story of Beewack AND Hooch-m-no (Hootch)

The first alcohol, produced by man, is thought to have been simply a mixture of barley, or wheat, and water; which was let ferment. The North American Natives were not familiar with wheat and therefore, sourdough or any other leavened breads until introduced to them by the white man. It is amazing how suddenly they caught on (now claiming Bannock--the bread and the name--as their own and how they made two potent alcohol brews.
Sourdough beer is simple to make but disagreeable to drink. If consumed in quantity, it will produce any  degree of intoxication. All one needs is a barrel, flour, and water. into this pour some sourdough and Dame Nature takes her course, from there. A little sugar will speed things up." Beewack" is never bottled-- only a fool would carry a live bomb.
Using an old rifle barrel and a trade pot North american Natives also created a crude"still". The resultant spirits were known by the Tlingit word Hooch-m-noo, form which we get the term "Hootch or "Yukon Hootch. This casts some doubt on the popular story; of how whiskey traders robbed the natives.