Fennoug

Fennoug is a fictional beverage described in worldbuilding and speculative fiction as a traditional fermented drink of coastal communities in the imagined archipelago of Sarnori. In the canonical in-universe descriptions, fennoug is produced by combining malted barley with crushed fennel seeds, dried citrus zest, and a measure of honey before allowing the mash to ferment in clay urns. The result is a pale amber liquid with a herbal aroma dominated by fennel and a gently spicy finish.

The etymology of fennoug is not standardized across works; the name appears to be a compound inspired by the real word fennel and a local suffix similar to -oug, suggesting a long-standing cultural term. In some sources, fennoug is said to derive from older dialects of Sarnori's maritime communities.

Usage and cultural context: Fennoug is commonly consumed during communal gatherings, maritime ceremonies, and harvest festivals. It is often offered to guests as a symbol of hospitality, and in some stories, it serves as a rite of passage when young members of a village sample the brew under supervision. Variants describe additional ingredients such as pine needles or juniper berries, reflecting regional flora.

Reception and adaptations: Since fennoug exists only in fictional settings, its descriptions vary by author. Worldbuilding writers discuss how variations in climate, grain quality, and fermentation vessels would affect taste, alcohol content, and shelf life. Fennoug is sometimes used as a teaching example of how culinary traditions are imagined in fantasy settings.