Balkan Rakia and Spirits Fest - Sofia 2107

From December 1 to 3 2017 it is a great occasion for fans of Rakia and spirits. The fifth Balkan Rakia and Spirits Fest is to be held at the House of the Architects at 11 Krakra Street, Sofia. So be there or be square.

Last year 3000 people attended, and with that success 30 Companies that took part last year are returning for another round in 2017.

There ill be over 250 brands of rakia and spirits produced by Bulgarian rakia and other traditional alcoholic spirits from Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and other Balkan countries.

So at 16:00 on December 1st the doors will open. There will be the official announcement at 17:00 that Bulgaria will host the world’s biggest spirits competition, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Spirits Selection, to be held from August 21 to 23 2018 in Bulgaria’s second city Plovdiv.

The festival is open on December 1 from 4pm to 10pm, on December 2 from 2pm to 9pm and on December 3 from 2pm to 8pm. lots of time to sample and enjoy the wonderfully array of spirits the Balkans create.

Underground Rakia Making in Bulgaria

It goes without saying that homemade rakia is far better quality than mass produced factory rakia sold in shops in Bulgaria.

The homemade rakia bandwagon carries on even though there are laws which restrict the amount made for private use. It has been found that 60% of rakia made in rakia house around the country are not recorded or accounted for. It is no surprise this happens, who would want to put up with inferior rakia bought over the counter. Who would want to destroy the great culture and tradition of rakia making in a country that has practiced this without any harm to anyone bar businesses who want to make a profit for a small minority. 

There are always those who take advantage of any system like the rakia making process. I think most would agree that some monitoring should go on in this area, but not the detriment of those who make it just for personal use.

Interesting article basically backing up what has just been said.

https://www.euscoop.com/en/2017/11/27/confiscated-rakia-new-year

Yambol Grape Rakia - Yambolska Grozdova

YAMBOL GRAPE RAKIA

Yambol Grape Rakia is one of the most popular products of Vinprom Yambol and has been produced since the 1930s. 

Grape varieties to make this Rakia consist of the following:

Red Misket, Rackcitels and Dimyat. 

The use of original technology was developed by Vinprom in Yambol tuning this rakia into a favorite drink for many people. "Yambolska Grozdova" is a rakia type with a golden color and a soft and harmonious taste. There is a very pleasant grape aftertaste. It is produced in various bottle sizes, the most popular 500ml, 700ml and 1 litre (pictured). 

Awards earned for this Yambol Grape Rakia include:

Honorary Diploma, "Vinaria 2004", 

Bulgaria Gold Medal, "Vinaria 2005", Bulgaria

Current Collection of Rakia for Sale in Kaufland Supermarket

One of the biggest selection of spirits is in the Rakia section of the supermarket in Bulgaria. and why not it is the official National drink. On a trip to Kaufland Supermarket in Yambol I captured the selection for sale. 

Most of it is Bulgarian but there are a couple of Macedonian makes on the bottom shelf of one of the pictures. You can also see the prices which. The designs of the bottles are very attractive as a bonus to the contents although, home made rakia in the main is 'The King' and any self-righteous Bulgarian would prefer that option and not buy.