It’s tradition. It’s memory. It’s rakija.
Welcome to the heart of every Macedonian backyard - the kazan.
This beautiful setup is a traditional copper still for homemade rakija, paired with a galvanized condenser barrel. On the right is the soul of the operation — the kazan — a handcrafted copper boiler sitting proudly on its stand, with a built-in thermometer to keep an eye on things (because too hot, and she gets angry... too cold, and she sulks). The copper dome is tightly sealed, because every drop of rakija is sacred.
Connected by a copper pipe — the "lule" — is the cooling barrel on the left. Filled with cold water, it transforms steamy alcohol vapors into the clear, strong spirit that brings families together, ignites songs, and sometimes ends with philosophical debates at 2 AM.
Operating one of these beauties is a ritual. You need patience, skill, and a respect for the old ways. The fire must be just right. The fruits — usually grapes or plums, must be fermented with care. The water in the barrel must stay cold, and the first drops that come out — the "prvenec" — must be handled with caution (or given to your father-in-law, depending on how you feel about him).
More Than Just a Drink
For us Macedonians, rakija is culture. It's how we welcome guests, toast the dead, and celebrate life. Every bottle carries stories of harvests, laughter, hard work, and sometimes... a few regrettable songs. The process of making rakija isn’t just about alcohol, it’s about preserving identity. It’s about slowing down and doing things the right way.
Why Copper?
Simple. Copper is king. It conducts heat evenly, cleans the spirit during distillation, and lasts forever, just like the stories that are told around the fire while the still does its work.
This particular model brings together the best of both worlds — traditional craftsmanship with a slightly modern design. It’s perfect for home use, especially if you want to impress your neighbors or finally justify why you’ve been saving all those pears from your backyard tree.
So, whether you're a seasoned rakija master or just dreaming of your first distillation, remember: it all starts here — with fire, fruit, copper, and a little bit of stubborn Macedonian spirit.
Na zdravje!
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