Croatian rakija wins gold and silver for first time in San Francisco

Wise Grus rakija wins in San Francisco (Photo credit: Wise Grus distillery)

Spectacular success of the Croatian brand Wise Grus

With it come unimaginable celebrations, important anniversaries are marked with it, kisses and tears are shed because of it. Those flavours linger in memory for a long time, or so say the rakija enthusiasts. 

We are certain that the judges of the most prestigious global competition for spirits, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, will remember them for a long time as well. 

Recently, they awarded Wise Grus Lozovača Barique and Šljivovica with double gold and silver medals. This competition is considered the most important in the category of spirits and has been held for 23 years, with very high evaluation criteria.

(Photo credit: Wise Grus distillery)

All of this would not be unusual if it were not for the tiny Daruvar distillery, whose products quickly won two gold medals in Frankfurt for Dunjevača and Lozovača, as well as recognition for the best Croatian distillery, presented in Frankfurt. 

(Photo credit: Wise Grus distillery)

After only eight months on the market, the distillery’s shelves already boast a total of six awards: double gold in San Francisco, one silver, an award in Zagreb, and two awards in Frankfurt.

Although it is a debut distillery, it has made great strides in entering high society. There are many plans ahead, and they are not yet aware of the importance of these prestigious awards, as they simply do what they love. We will have to wait and see where their journey will take them, but judging by their fiery start, there are still many challenges ahead.

(Photo credit: Wise Grus distillery)

They believe that their success will inspire other rakija producers in Croatia to make every effort to activate and establish our spirits market, making it recognisable both in Europe and in other countries worldwide.