"MEĆAVA" – THE SYMBOL OF DEFIANT ZMIJANJE

"Rakija is for arguments, and it’s always needed – at home and at gatherings, in joy and in sorrow," wrote Petar Kočić, one of the most revered writers of the Krajina region. And indeed, there is hardly an occasion in the lives of the Balkan people where rakija doesn’t play a central role – it celebrates, comforts, toasts, welcomes, and heals.

But not all rakijas are made equal – and it’s often the rakija that guests remember most. That’s why today, we’re introducing the rakijas of the Štrbac Distillery, a name any proud household would gladly stand behind.

Located in Gornji Pervan, just about 20 kilometers from Banja Luka, on the sunny slopes of Mount Manjača, Štrbac Distillery sits on a family estate where they craft a variety of fruit brandies using traditional ancestral recipes.

Legends say the raw nature of Zmijanje cannot be tamed – and just a few kilometers from the home of Kočić himself, in old oak barrels, a rakija of wild and rebellious character has matured. Called “Mećava”, this rakija carries within it the fiery spirit of the ancestors and the energetic heartbeat of its people. It all began in 2013.

“Today, we offer plum, apple, Williams pear, and quince rakija. Soon, we’ll be launching herbal rakija, as well as barrel-aged Williams pear and quince,” said Milan Štrbac, director of the distillery, in an interview for MONDO.

“What makes our rakijas stand out is that we never release them to the market before they’ve aged for at least five years – that’s when they reach peak quality.”

The fruit is sourced from domestic growers, depending on where the best harvests are that year. Most importantly, it’s all local.

This passion and dedication haven’t gone unnoticed – not just among local connoisseurs, but also on the international stage.

Their five-year-aged Williams pear and apple rakijas have both earned silver medals at the prestigious London Spirits Competition – an event that brings together leading global experts to evaluate hundreds of samples based on three key criteria: spirit quality, packaging design, and value for money, with quality carrying the greatest weight.

“This was our first time participating in any international competition, and both our entries – the five-year-old Williams pear and apple rakijas – won silver,” Milan proudly shared.

He added that rakija is an excellent aperitif or digestif and pairs well with various foods – especially cheeses and cured meats.

“Still, it’s best enjoyed with traditional meals and good company,” he concluded.

Štrbac’s “Mećava” rakijas can be found in most large supermarkets, discount chains, and specialty liquor stores. You’ll recognize them by their unique bottle shape and eye-catching design that sets them apart on any shelf.