HOW A PREMIUM GIN WAS CREATED IN REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

In the world of fine spirits—where taste is shaped by patience, expertise, and attention to detail—only a few manage to successfully combine science and creativity into a truly unique product.

That is exactly what Maja Milijaš has achieved. A PhD in technological sciences, assistant professor at the University of Banja Luka Faculty of Technology, and founder of the The Gin brand, her journey began not in a distillery—but in a laboratory.

As a food technologist, Milijaš dedicated her undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies to alcoholic beverages. After becoming one of the youngest PhDs in Republika Srpska, she continued her academic career, teaching students about the production of spirits, beer, and wine. However, at one point, theory alone was no longer enough.

“I wanted knowledge to move beyond theory and take on a tangible form,” she told HEDONIST Magazine.

That vision materialized in the form of a distillery in Srbac, her hometown, established at the end of 2024. By February 2025, the first bottle had already reached the market. The choice of gin was no coincidence—unlike other categories, gin allows creative freedom, offering the possibility to tell a personal story through botanicals, their relationships, and processing methods.

A Craft Approach and a Distinct Taste

Milijaš’s gin is a craft product, produced in small batches where every step is carefully controlled. Botanicals are selected with intention—each ingredient has a specific role within the composition. Balance is not achieved at the end but built from the very beginning.

The result is a spirit that is not only technically precise but also rich in character—complex enough to linger on the palate, yet stable enough to maintain its identity in cocktails.

Building Quality Without Compromise

Recognition from Frankfurt confirmed that quality knows no borders. For Milijaš, the award is not just a prize but proof that a product from a small distillery can stand alongside global brands.

“It’s both encouragement and a responsibility not to compromise,” she emphasized.

Although she leads production, the distillery is very much a family endeavor. Support from her closest circle is present in every aspect—from physical work to daily decision-making. Today, three types of gin are produced in Srbac: a classic London Dry, “Unique” with distinctive pink shimmer, and “Spark,” an elegant variant enriched with golden details.

More Than a Business

Behind the brand lies more than business ambition. The idea grew out of curiosity and research—almost as a hobby—before evolving into a serious venture. Business followed naturally as a result of quality.

“A product must have value on its own, regardless of marketing,” Milijaš noted.

Alongside her professional roles, she is also a mother of two, making her journey even more remarkable. Balancing family, science, and entrepreneurship requires discipline—and a clear vision.

A Message to the Young

Her advice to young people considering starting their own business is simple: learn, be patient, and avoid shortcuts.

Her story is not one of chance, but of dedication, knowledge, and the courage to step outside the comfort zone. The result? A signature gin that leaves a lasting impression.