The entire experience of this gin is supported by the terracotta bottle, also a link to the old way of production of coal in karbunice covered with earth
Although traditionally a British drink, gin became a global product a long time ago, especially preffered in the summertime. But for Croats to produce it successfully, more precisely – Istrians, we did not expect.
We were confuted by the agile Mišel Sirotić, owner and ‘soul’ of the Aura distillery from the town of Buzet. The Aura Products Company deals with the production of exclusive traditional Croatian products such as brandies and jams, indigenous products of wild medicinal herbs and wild fruit harvested in the ecologically pure environment on the slopes of central Istria, far from roads and populated places. From the starting production for their own needs thy developed into a family company whose must is the quality of products made by our grandmothers at home, without conservatives and artificial ingredients. All under the slogan: Handpicked, prepared with love!
In the relaxed atmosphere of the Zagreb wine store Vivat Fina Vina, admirers of distilled products met the bold Aura Gin Karbun. The idea of this gin came from the strength of the last karbunari and the old tradition of producing coal (karbun) on the slopes of Ćićarija, where berries of klek are picked, the main aroma component of every gin.
There are many specifics of this gin, but what is most interesting is that this gin passes through active charcoal filtration during distillation. The procedure is of extreme importance as active charcoal takes away toxins, especially efficient in purifying distillate from pesticides and heavy metals. Also, the gin is served with pieces of specially prepared active charcoal, which is also edible. The entire experience of this gin is supported by the terracotta bottle, also a link to the old way of production of coal in karbunice covered with earth. To place a final touch on this product, to complete the circle in a way, even the label, logo on the bottle, was originally drawn with charcoal.
“Some products can be found in better wine stores across Croatia, delicacy shops, renowned hotels, superior restaurants and airports, also with our own stores in Istria found in Hum – the smallest town on earth, and Buzet – the town of truffles where the distillery is found and production takes place. Other than Istria, our stores are also in Vrbnik on Krk Island and in Novigrad,” said Mišel Sirotić.
In style, Aura Gin Karbun belongs to light and aromatic gins, going well with fresh orange, only a few ice cubes and dry tonics such as John William “Doctor Polidori” Extra Dry, which proved an excellent choice at the presentation and tasting.
