In an Australian first, Adelaide Brothers Jon and Con Lioulios have distilled and launched the only new age Rakia to be legally licensed and sold in Australia, 36 Short.
And what is Rakia? Well pronounced rakiya, this Balkan fruit brandy is widely considered the national drink of Macedonia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia.
The Lioulios brothers, who are primarily known for their successful, fresh, vegetable produce business, Quality Lines, are bringing it to Australia as an ode to their Macedonian born father, Pando who bought the recipe to Australia almost 50 years ago.
Jon Lioulios said: “Rakia can be served straight before a meal and be accompanied with pickled vegetables as well as cured and barbecued meats. Our white Rakia can be used to make various cocktails”.
Con Lioulios said: “Recent trends and statistics tell us that young and old people alike are experimenting with spirits and liquors more than ever before and we wanted to share our very own Rakia with their sophisticated pallets.
“Dad dedicated a lot of time, energy, love and patience to distilling, and with four generations who all had the same passion for distilling Rakia preceding him, now it is our turn to do the same.”
The name 36 Short actually comes from Pando’s suit size.
But this Rakia is new world, being distilled with exceptional red wine from McLaren Vale and along with a secret family recipe.
Con Lioulios said: “It is made for great times and handcrafted in South Australia we have produced two varieties, gold and white.
University of Adelaide Associate Professor, Graham Jones, who has a research interest in distillation technologies and the production of potable spirits said: ”36 Short is an exciting product with a wonderful potential.”
Jon said: ”Graham has been pivotal to the distilling process and Short 36’s launch.”
36 Short White is perfectly tailored with a smooth delicate flavour and subtle fruit undertones that fit like a good suit! The Gold is aged, it is sweet and smooth with a hint of spice and is fabulous neat or with your favourite cocktail.
Individually bottled and batched the Rakia is hand finished with the closure dipped in a glossy wax.
Con Lioulios said: “We believe it is a “Great Spirit” which should be consumed with friends and family. Distilling 36 Short brought happiness and a feeling of pride and achievement to our father Pando and we want this tradition to continue.”
Want to get your hands on some 36 Short White and Gold? Well you can purchase it online here, it is also available at selected bottle shops. hotels and bars in Adelaide including Electra House, Edinburgh Cellars, Udaberri, Mr Goodbar and Thrift Shop Bar.
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