Movie-maker Quentin Tarantino is convinced he has tasted poison after sampling Iceland's favourite alcohol over New Year.

The Kill Bill director joined pal Bjork and friends in Iceland to ring in 2006 and now he can't get the taste of awful, intoxicating licorice out of his mouth.

He says, "I don't really know what poison tastes like, because if I did I'd be dead, but, if I had to imagine what poison would taste like, it would be this stuff Opal.

"It's based on this candy that the Icelanders have eaten since they were a little kid, so they're used to the taste, so they love it.

"I was in this club and Bjork was there and she grabs me up to the bar and (the bartender) sets up like three shots... My gag reflex was doing a decathlon at that point.

"This stuff is so foul that I said what I never thought I'd ever say in my life - when it came down to the fourth shot I go, 'Can I switch to Jagermeister (hardcore herb liquor), just for the taste?'"