Oh, Latgale, you never cease to amaze! There is so much of undiscovered and unknown. Through bright lake eyes you gaze at the clouds, smiling saucily through hills, inviting to enjoy this unspoiled paradise from the bottom of everyone’s heart. In Latgale everything is real and true, starting from Latgalian language and genuine sincerity to carefully perfected and maintained traditions. A visit in a Latgalian’s house cannot go without a proper meal and a drink of homemade strong beverage. Clear as spring water, strong as a handshake of a work-hardened farmer, made from natural ingredients that have been grown in our own gardens and fields, fostered in the sun, moistened by rain – this is Latgalian shmakovka. The real deal, there is no doubt. In Latvian it is called šmakovka (shmakovka), šmakavnīks (shmakavneeks), šmakauka (shmakauka), šmakovjaks (shmakovyak). Wherever in Latgale you go, everyone knows this drink and the masters who know how to make the real deal.
For hundreds of years there were attempts to uproot it, it was kept hidden and masked, but now the time has come to bring it to light. Shmakovka has grown together with Latgale, now they fit like a glove; it is an element of wisdom and culinary heritage, which is best expressed in prose. It is not some kind of “moonshine” or distillery refuse, as many scornfully call homemade strong alcoholic drinks. Shmakovka is a product that belongs to a specific geographic region, just like whiskey does to Scots, fondue to Swiss, Roquefort to French, or grappa to Italians and so on. With its particular flavour and unique recipe shmakovka is on its way to gain recognition in Latgale, Latvia and all around the world.