Why
Quince?
Why
not?
Quince Defines Us.
The Distillery Expresses Us.
MIKO is, above all, a story about quinces, with rakija being just one chapter. We’ve often asked ourselves how such a refined fruit became forgotten over time.
Though once cherished in Mediterranean orchards, the quince has retained its status as a rare fruit, requiring specific microclimates. Such conditions are present in the Župa region, which was one of the key factors in our decision to plant 33 hectares of this golden crop.
The distillery, placed at the heart of the orchard, was a natural consequence of that decision.
Quince trees are delicate in their early years, which has made them difficult to cultivate globally. In addition to its rarity, this has further increased the value of this fruit – it was a challenge we embraced.
However, with expert care and dedication, the MIKO orchard has been rewarding us with golden fruit for the past three years. For us, these harvests feel like a gesture of gratitude from the land, and a sign that quince is ready for its renaissance.
Our orchard counts 21,136 quince trees - we have 21,136 reasons to bring this remarkable fruit back into the spotlight of the industry.
Quince rakija is the first step in the MIKO story, but our mission is to explore the full potential of the quince through a broader range of high-quality products in the future.
Golden heritage
Divine, precious, mystical - epithets the quince has earned throughout its history, carrying a symbolic heritage due to its golden-yellow colour and enchanting aroma. Though lesser known, it belongs to the rose family, holding a unique position between the pear and the apple.
Originating from the regions of the Caucasus, Iran, and Mesopotamia, quince was prized for its powerful aroma over a thousand years ago. In ancient cultures, it was dedicated to goddesses of love and beauty, Aphrodite and Venus, making it a symbol of fertility and health. At MIKO, quince is more than just a symbol. It’s the soul of our craft.
An Inspiring Fragrance
The aroma of the quince is unforgettable—floral and vivid, with warm notes of honey and soft traces of jasmine and ripe pear. Its scent is both subtle and rich, evoking a sense of natural freshness and sophistication.
Although less commonly eaten raw, certain varieties of quince are quite edible and refreshing at their ideal ripeness without processing. However, its ability to transform through cooking or distillation contributes to the mystical nature of this fruit.
Processing the quince reveals the depth of its aromas, as well as a luxurious, velvety texture ideal for various delicacies and beverages.
Its scent and taste carry the wisdom of centuries, yet they also form the foundation that shapes our products today - a blend of heritage, nature, and passion.