Tag Archives: klekovaca

Navip

NAVIP was one of the first distilleries who managed to find their way to the foreign market. That’s why the sanctions, that took place about 25 years ago, managed to destabilize the production.

NAVIP distillery is a great example of the fantastic work provided by the hands of the working class. People in this area showed interest in the production of the wine long time ago, in 1848. Alongside with the vineyards, worker cooperatives managed to grow. NAVIP is closely connected with the first such cooperative in village Crkvenac, in 1897, which was formed by Dimitrije Katic. It makes sense, considering that it’s the oldest distillery in Serbia. Not long after,in 1898, vineyard workers in Jagodina, gathered to build their own cooperative. Soon to follow were the workers in Vencac, in 1903.

After the WWII, another, a lot greater, worker cooperative was formed. NAVIP gathered the facilities from the Petrovaradin all the way through the Vranje. And, as such, in the hands of the workers who actually worked their job fairly and respectfully, the production reached high levels of quality, which was proved with all the prizes and accomplishments NAVIP has received.

Recently, there has been a controversy that could ruin the golden name of the distillery. But, it’s good to know that many hard working people keep working on recovering from the damage.

Did you know?

Speaking of recovery, here is some good news: distillery in Crkvenac exported 10.000 bottles of NAVIP Slivovitz to America, and right now they are preparing the exportation to Canada and Switzerland. The capacity of Crkvenac is about 1.5 million liters, which makes it quite unique in this part of the Balkan.

Until 1970 distillery produced wine, but after this peculiar year, it decided to focus on the production of the rakia. There are several different types of slivovitz there, and the one named Serbian Slivovitz is used for export only, while some others, like Bardaklija and Lozovaca, are meant for local market.

NAVIP was one of the first distilleries who managed to find their way to the foreign market. That’s why the sanctions, that took place about 25 years ago, managed to destabilize the production. It’s good to know that many costumers remained loyal to the drink they loved, and every year about 100.000 bottles find their way to bars, restaurants and family tables in America, Canada, Russia etc.

It’s very interesting how one culture affects another. German people started to show interest in slivovitz, when Serbs introduced them to it, while being on season jobs in Germany. And, I could never forget the words of the British young man, who was considered for lost or kidnapped, who had no idea that the entire Belgrade is looking for him, while he enjoyed the slivovitz.

Kleka BB Bajina Basta

It’s incredible how many people forget how powerful they really are. I guess that’s why many always look for any sort of authority, to tell them what to do, because they’re unsure of what their next move should be. The proper move, I mean. As if nobody dares to make a mistake, to take a risk.

It might be because TV and newspapers taught us that everyone will always hear about the mistakes, rather than the good things we do. Let’s change it, shall we? Sit back, and relax, and enjoy some nice story.

Once upon a time, there was the worker cooperative in Bajina Basta, which started the production of a very special brandy

back in 1955. BB Klekovaca was the name of a brandy that was made of juniper that grows on Tara, the nearby mountain. The brandy soon became popular and spread around. It lasted for a while, before the privatization in 2006. During the process, it was decided to separate one section, the brandy production, from the rest of the worker cooperative. And, it was a good move, because there were five hard working men, who decided to save the production of the famous brandy. They paid the rent for production area and equipment, and worked for several months without any profit (the production takes time, because brandy needs to remain in barrels for at least a year).

Workers fought for the factory, and they won.

Did you know?

The oldest Klekovaca that still has its place in the fabric is the one that was made in 1968. Next to it, there is a glass balloon that contains 50 liters of Klekovaca from 1972. It’s one of the favorite attractions for all who visit the factory.

The heroes of our story knew that their move might be a little too risky, considering that it required a lot of investment, during the times in which such steps weren’t recommended, considering the local economy. But, since they knew what they are fighting for, they knew it’s worth it. They claim how they don’t like the idea of ordering a drink in a tavern, without knowing how the drink was made. Their slogan explains it all:”With knowledge in tavern.”

They also knew that what was once very popular sure can be easily sold (okay, they couldn’t “know” this; it’s more as if they had a reason to have faith). During the “golden years” or the cooperative, over 250000 liters were produced every year.

Plum Juniper Brandy – Stara pesma (Old Song)

Very special brandy, often called a Serbian gin.

Somewhere around the Serbian city Bajina Basta you can find the best juniper berries for a brandy. Local people love to spice their plum brandy with approximately two dozens of forest juniper berries. In that way they get a perfect combination of the finest plum brandy and the tastiest juniper berries.

A perfect brandy, colored old gold, with the smell of dried plums, juniper, lime and smoke.

People who decided to taste it, never regretted it. And always asked for more.

Few centuries ago one family came to the village Pepelj, near the mountain Tara, and started making one of the finest brandies in county. Generations of their descendants followed the tradition of cultivating orchards, making barrels and producing brandy. They have been working hard, enjoying life with a song and couple of drinks, and they managed to produce brandy Stara pesma, to the delight and pride of present and future generations.

Plum Juniper Brandy

The tradition of locally produced fruit brandies goes back hundreds of years in eastern Europe and the method of production has been unchanged since medieval times. For years their availability has been restricted but over the past 20 years many of the best are now available for export. Navip Klekovaca is a unique spirit made from plums and juniper berries. It is only found in Serbia and is a distinct local specialty made from hand-picked fruit. The addition of juniper adds a refreshing note to the traditional vanilla and almond flavors of the plums as well as aiding in digestion. It is often consumed with cold cuts such as prosciutto paired with aged strong cheeses such as pecorino or gruyere. Traditionally, Navip Klekovaca is sipped neat chilled or in a chilled glass.