In the fictional Star Trek universe, Romulan Ale is a blue ale produced by the Romulan people.
Romulan ale is a particularly strong alcoholic beverage. It is either nearly or just as strong as certain Klingon beverages. Those who drink Romulan ale for the first time are advised about the strength of that beverage.
For many years, Romulan ale had been illegal in the Federation. How rigorously the laws were enforced is a matter of debate. Many Starfleet officers and Federation civilians continued to drink the ale despite its forbidden status due to ships smuggling ale across the Romulan Neutral Zone. Some Starfleet officers, such as Admiral William Ross, never drank Romulan ale; Admiral Ross first tasted the drink aboard the USS Bellerophon in 2375.
When the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-A) initially met with the Klingons before the First Khitomer Accords, the ship had been carrying a supply of Romulan ale. How the Romulan ale got on board the ship is something of a mystery; it may have been placed there by those hoping to sabotage peace between the Klingon Empire and the Federation. The ale was used during a banquet between Chancellor Gorkon's staff and the Enterprise command crew. It had the effect of loosening the inhibitions of those at the dinner, and the dinner nearly degenerated into a full blown argument. As a result, Captain Kirk advised the galley that Romulan ale was to no longer be served at diplomatic functions. In contrast, Romulan ale was served to Federation and Romulan representatives during a diplomatic function on board the USS Bellerophon in 2375.
During the Dominion War, the Romulan Star Empire was allied with the Federation and the Klingons. During the war, the two powers began making serious moves towards peace. The embargo against Romulan products was dropped and as a result, Romulan ale was a legal beverage for the first time in many years. However, after the war, the embargo was reinstated sometime before 2379.
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Last updated: 10-23-2005 18:29:31
