The new Croatian craft gin Arete Puro was presented in the famous Zagreb cocktail bar Peaches & Cream. Behind this spirit stands the Lekaj family, which started a distillery called Aristippus Liquors with the aim of producing high-quality alcoholic beverages. Martina Lekaj, director and founder of the distillery, said more about the gin itself and the distillery.
“Aristippus Liquors distillery is at the beginning of its journey, but we have big ambitions. We are currently focused on positioning ourselves on the Croatian market. In the future, we plan to launch new products and expand beyond the borders of Croatia. The very name of our distillery, Aristippus Liquors, is inspired by the Greek philosopher Aristippus, who is known for the hedonistic concept of moderate enjoyment to achieve long-term happiness. We wanted the name itself to reflect the passion for enjoying top-quality drinks,” the founder pointed out, adding that her career in the hotel industry in Germany helped her make contacts and experience that will help them achieve that goal.
Their first brand, Arete Puro, was presented to the profession and the general public, including those who do not prefer gin. “Normally I don’t drink gin, but this one suits me very well”, was a frequent comment of visitors who, in addition to pure gin, also tasted signature cocktails inspired by the ingredients found in the spirit itself.
A blend of Croatian forests and the Adriatic coast
Since it is a domestically produced gin, the Lekaj family decided to play with flavors and aromas that are associated with Croatia. The first and last note that is felt when tasting is the citrus flavor that comes from the lemon peel and timut pepper, while the second note is filled with the warmth of pine that reminds of forests in the continental part of Croatia. In addition to the listed components, Arete Puro gin also contains coriander seeds, iris root, licorice and star anise, which give it an additional richness of taste. The Lekaj family dilutes their gin with filtered water that purifies the drink to achieve an alcohol content of up to 43% by volume. Although a touch of spices and a slightly peppery taste is felt when tasting, they disappear very quickly, making Arete Puro gin the perfect basis for mixing and experimenting with cocktails, or for the classic – gin and tonic.
“As my family has traditionally produced its own brandy (rakija) every year for family celebrations such as weddings and the like for years, which was liked by everyone who tried it, we came up with the idea of turning that hobby into something bigger – the production of our own high-quality alcoholic beverages. We decided to start our journey with Arete Puro gin, because of all the alcoholic drinks, gin is my favorite drink”, said Martina Lekaj.
Sustainability and modern technology
Aristippus Liquors Distillery uses a cost effective, energy efficient and environmentally friendly distiller. State-of-the-art production technology enabled them to consume three times less energy for the distillation of alcoholic beverages. Using only electricity instead of propane (LP gas) which is used by traditional distilleries, the production of Areta Puro gin is ethical and environmentally conscious.
Although it took almost eight years from idea to realization, Martina Lekaj points out that her family, who agrees and believes in all her decisions, provided her with great support in achieving her goal.
“Being an entrepreneur in any industry is challenging and affects all segments of life, you need to find a balance so that family, social and other elements do not fall out. My advice for everyone who wants to be an entrepreneur is to be determined and consistent with their own ideas and principles, and everything else will naturally fall into place by itself,” said the owner and founder of the distillery.