The beginning of alcohol can be traced for thousands of years before our era. For example, in Mesopotamia the people were enjoying date palm wine, but the ancient Egyptians and the Babylonians were brewing beverages that were similar to beer. The age of wine brewing can also be traced for more than ten thousand years. However, the “roots” of strong alcohol are found in the East and the first pioneers come from India and China, where around 800 B.C. the making of distilled strong alcohol began. These skills came to Europe at around the 11th century and since then the making of various strong alcoholic drinks has become an essential part of the provisions production.
In the course of centuries hundreds of various drink types and derivatives were created from which many received a special status and still retains it today. Cognac, whisky, brandy, rum … These drinks can be proud for basking on the highest hierarchy steps of alcohol and the identification in any century and in practically every country in the world. But a human is a creative being and it has been confirmed a long time ago that the most of what we require can be made by ourselves. Provisions, including various alcoholic drinks, in this sense are the most thankful field. Latvia has very strong beer brewing traditions. But a Latvian would not be a Latvian if he would only enjoy beer.
Sometimes he wants something stronger and not an expensive drink from the shop, a homemade brewed drink for which most of the raw materials have been grown in their own fields, the water is drawn from a clear spring and every step of the brewing process is looked after minute by minute. In Latgale it is shmakovka and the experts say that a good shmakovka is a real gift from God. People travel from all over Latvia just to buy a small bottle of this excellent product made by the shmakovka experts. They open it on special occasions and only drink a small glass at a time. So, to say for a quick taste and cheerfulness. This is shmakovka – one of Latgale’s pearls, a drink, that’s origin can be traced for many ancient history centuries and that could stand with confidence beside those drinks that has their status influenced by the number of stars and emblems on the label.
Oh Latgale, You really don’t stop to surprise! How much more here is undiscovered and unknown! With bright river eyes You look in the sky and archly smile through hills inviting to enjoy this untouched paradise with all your heart. In Latgale everything is real and true – starting from the Latgalian language and the genuine sincerity till the groomed and maintained traditions. When visiting a Latgalian’s home you cannot go without a proper meal and a glass of a homemade strong drink. Clear as the spring water and strong as a work strengthened countryside man’s handshake, made from their own grown, warmth fostered and slaked from rain nature gifts – such is the Latgalian shmakovka. A real fortune about which there is no doubt. Shmakovka, shmakavniks, shmakauka, shmakovjaks … go in any direction in Latgale, everyone knows this drink and know those masters that know how to make the best drink.
However, it has been hated and caviled for hundreds of years … Now is the time to raise it in the light! Shmakovka has grown together with Latgale as a glove with a hand, it is a part of a life message and a culinary heritage. It is not “kandza” or “braga” as in many places homemade strong drinks are scornfully called. With its special taste and special acceptance shmakovka has begun its journey for recognition in Latgale, Latvia and in the eyes of the whole world.
To make a new sense about the origins of shmakovka, the whole history of Latgale has to be looked through, focusing on the most vital historic facts. That is why we invite you to thumb through the most important pages of Latgale’s history!