I’m from a region where making rakija (fruit brandy) has long been part of local tradition. I’ve lived across the US, EU, and UK, but this year I’m returning to the family farm.
Historically, plums were the main fruit for rakija here, though pears, quince, apples, and grapes are also used. Sadly, since the war in the mid-90s and with migration from rural to urban areas, many of our villages — including my own — are now nearly empty and much of the tradition has been lost.
My father’s family didn’t keep plums, but we do have six veteran pear trees specifically for distilling, known locally as “crna kruška” (black pear), Pyrus nivalis — sometimes called Yellow or Snow Pear in English. My maternal grandfather did have plums and was an experienced distiller, but he passed away when I was young, before I had a chance to make rakija with him.
So far, I’ve done three “vintages” (2015, 2022, 2024). This year’s harvest is already underway and looks promising.
Until now, I’ve been borrowing a neighbor’s handmade copper still from the 1970s. Charming but temperamental, and far from precise. Distilling was done in a semi-open garage, which drew plenty of curiosity — and advice, often contradictory, rarely with any real explanation of why
. Those experiences, with both equipment limitations and gaps in deeper knowledge, are what bring me here! 
Equipment-wise, I’ve just taken delivery of a new copper pot still from a Serbian manufacturer. Knowledge-wise — well, that’s why I’ve joined this community. I’m eager to learn from others who share the same passion.
Looking forward, I plan to establish a mixed orchard: around 80–100 rakija plums and a dozen pears grafted from our old trees. I’ll also be retrofitting a section of our barn for an indoor distilling space. In short — lots to do, and much more to learn.
I love working with the fruit and making rakija, but now it’s time to step out of the “dark ages” and learn how to produce the best spirit possible. Our villages may be nearly empty, but my dream is for my rakija to carry the story of our land.
Živjeli! (Cheers)