ROUSSE PEARL MUSCAT RAKIA BRANDY Vinprom Rousse Ltd., Rousse, Bulgaria LCBO #175067│40% alc./vol.│$29.95│700mL│ Release: 27-May-2017 This brandy matures in oak casks until it finalizes as drink with tender fruity- muscat aroma, combined with soft and deep body, a balanced and long aftertaste to be remembered. Rakia is the national drink of Southern Slavic nations disseminated on the Balkan Peninsula from the Arabic world. The name originates from the Arabic 'arak' which means 'sweat'. Bedouins explain they use the word 'sweat' because the day is poured with sweat while fruits are yielded from which the rakia is prepared. “The origins of rakia are unknown. The name is derived from the Arabic [ʕaraq] meaning "condensation" (which is the final phase of distillation), through the Turkish rakı, leading some to believe that it has some Middle Eastern influence and was developed in the Balkans during the Ottoman Empire era. Currently, there is no defined origin of rakia but there are many who claim to be the origins of the drink, most vocally Bulgaria, Serbia and Turkey.” (Wikipedia) Vinprom Rousse is a modern winery, located in the northern region, on the bank of the Danube ~170 m above the sea level. Established in 1948 as part of the state alcohol monopoly. Winery is among the largest (40 million liters per year capacity) in Bulgaria in production and exports (Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and the USA). Variety: Muscat 100% Serving suggestion and food pairing: Excellent as an aperitif. Especially food friendly to salads, cold dishes and appetizers. Great after dinner treat with dried fruits and nuts. Serve chilled to 5 °C, or even try it frozen at -10°C! 1576 Stonehaven Dr., Mississauga, ON Canada, L5J 1E7 │ Tel: 416-767-8639 │ Fax: 416-767-2412 │ [email protected] │ www.unitedstars.ca .