Most importantly, the first distillate contains methanol, which is poisonous. This is the alcohol that's traditionally used for medicinal or hygienic purposes. You can get blind or even die when you drink methanol.
What we want, love and sometimes need is ethanol, which evaporates at different temperatures and thus condenses a bit later.
The skill definitely lies in the distilling process. There are many dangers to those who have no experience of the process. The rakija made within the family I have become part of, is constantly aware. One the rakija is bottled it stands for a considerable time before consumption. I know Tamara’s father always vigorously shakes a bottle before starting to consume. Too many bubbles does not bode too well.
Christian, normally 2-3 months before distilling. Bottling is done straight after the distil. The bottles are then put in a dark place for at least 2 years before consumption. Some families don't bottle rather mature in oak barrels. So some rakija is clear, some dark like traditional brandy. We are drinking rakija (clear) from 2013 at the moment. Also in rural villages, if a boy is born, say now, the rakija of the year of his birth will be kept and consumed at his wedding. It's a very cultural activity.
Christian, normally 2-3 months before distilling. Bottling is done straight after the distil. The bottles are then put in a dark place for at least 2 years before consumption. Some families don't bottle rather mature in oak barrels. So some rakija is clear, some dark like traditional brandy. We are drinking rakija (clear) from 2013 at the moment. Also in rural villages, if a boy is born, say now, the rakija of the year of his birth will be kept and consumed at his wedding. It's a very cultural activity.
Most importantly, the first distillate contains methanol, which is poisonous. This is the alcohol that's traditionally used for medicinal or hygienic purposes. You can get blind or even die when you drink methanol.
What we want, love and sometimes need is ethanol, which evaporates at different temperatures and thus condenses a bit later.
The skill definitely lies in the distilling process. There are many dangers to those who have no experience of the process. The rakija made within the family I have become part of, is constantly aware. One the rakija is bottled it stands for a considerable time before consumption. I know Tamara’s father always vigorously shakes a bottle before starting to consume. Too many bubbles does not bode too well.
Wonderful! I do like a snifter but that stuff is lethal!
Lisa, it depends who makes it. Commercial rakija I can get headaches from. Home distilled I like. But yes, it's an acquired taste.
I love the taste of homemade but 50% is quite strong for me, so I have to limit myself to one!
What's the length of time between picking the fruit to the bottling?
Christian, normally 2-3 months before distilling. Bottling is done straight after the distil. The bottles are then put in a dark place for at least 2 years before consumption. Some families don't bottle rather mature in oak barrels. So some rakija is clear, some dark like traditional brandy. We are drinking rakija (clear) from 2013 at the moment. Also in rural villages, if a boy is born, say now, the rakija of the year of his birth will be kept and consumed at his wedding. It's a very cultural activity.
I was thinking it would make a great photographic project but it would certainly require two visits at least :-)
that would be no problem to arrange
Makes me think of this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvaEJzoaYZk
What's the length of time between picking the fruit to the bottling?
Christian, normally 2-3 months before distilling. Bottling is done straight after the distil. The bottles are then put in a dark place for at least 2 years before consumption. Some families don't bottle rather mature in oak barrels. So some rakija is clear, some dark like traditional brandy. We are drinking rakija (clear) from 2013 at the moment. Also in rural villages, if a boy is born, say now, the rakija of the year of his birth will be kept and consumed at his wedding. It's a very cultural activity.