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.
36 Short is a tribute to Jon and Con’s Macedonian born father, Pando who bought the recipe to Australia almost 50 years ago.
The Lioulios brothers are primarily known for their successful, fresh, vegetable produce business, Quality Lines.
Rakia originates from the Balkan region of Eastern Europe and is a fruit Brandy. It is widely considered the national drink of Macedonia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia.
“Rakia can be served straight before a meal and be accompanied with pickled vegetables as well as cured and barbequed meats. Our white Rakia can be used to make various cocktails,” said Jon Lioulios.
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 comes from Pando’s suit size.
36 Short is a new world Rakia, distilled with exceptional red wine from McLaren Vale and a secret family recipe.
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.”