I dare say they did. Some years ago in Kuwait, there was a documentary on TV about alcoholics in Sweden. It stated how they were having bootpolish (which contained a minor amount of alcohol) sandwiches. It also stated that if you strained Nivea face cream through bread you would get alcohol.
Next day the local supermarket had moved the bread right next door to the Nivea.
Rauch grape juice is excellent for making wine. Date malt makes a very good lager.
Kuwait customs in the late 70's confiscated anything from "Boots" as they thought it was a brewing shop. Times have probably changed now.