Despite increasingly frequent blizzards and heat waves generated by climate change in subarctic Asia, Mongolian nomads are preserving ancient traditions. Fermented mare’s milk and vodka (with further distillation) remain cultural touchstones that have endured the ages. From Chingiss Khan to the present, Susan Zimmerman describes the importance of the nine gems of Mongolia in distilling vodka. Illustrated with my photos, it is the pause that refreshes amid often discouraging environmental news.

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