Majda Debevc. Brandy. Cigars. Pleasure. Culture. And art. Interweaving of history. Tradition. Fresh wind. Years and years. Barrel. Smell. Taste. Sense. Dizzy. Curiosity. Researching. Search. Perfection. We could go on and on. Because the world of spirits and premium cigars is a world of such breadth that it is impossible to learn everything. In this world, every day something new develops, every day something sinks into oblivion, and every day something is written among the stars. But nothing happens in a day. It is a slow art that requires years of research and years of rest.
Years ago, during Yugoslavia, when nobody knew much about the culture of drinking spirits, it was Majda Debevc went to Trieste and Ancona. Not by cloths, but by spices, teas and prized bottles spirits. Today, most of this can be found in Slovenia. Also thanks to her. Majda Debevc she is an exceptional professional who feels best in company wines, spirits and cigars. She got to know this world spontaneously when she was working in a foreign trade and they were just right for her spirits closer than perfumery. The way she is, she tries to delve into everything down to the minute detail. At the same time, he loves history and adores philosophy. All this in the world brandy it connects strongly and it's no wonder that this world has got her addicted.
He says that such drinks are not called "spirits" for nothing. It's not about chemistry, it's about art, philosophy and the human hand. She delved most into whiskeys, cognacs and rums. He highly appreciates Scotch whiskey and says that there is no drink in the world that is so diverse, but at the same time everything is prescribed exactly how it should be. He appreciates that they respect tradition and are at the same time so innovative and unencumbered. Her passion, respect and knowledge were also noticed by the Scottish Whiskey Producers' Association, where in 2003 she was awarded the honorary title "The Keeper of the Quaich". The title is awarded to connoisseurs according to very strict rules whiskey, who are credited with spreading the culture of drinking whiskey and Scotland. If the sky were the limit, I would travel a lot. He wants to go to the Caribbean, the homeland of rum. And to Japan, where they developed whiskey perfection. It is a Scottish style that has been developed to perfection by extremely precise Japanese people. Thanks to her, we can also try this in Slovenia. Because the sky is not the limit, she follows the Internet a lot, is a member of various clubs, and orders premium bottles online. He impresses everyone he talks to. She is retired, but only formally. He leads workshops, constantly learns, reads, researches. He has one such old house at home. Where it might one day be a "club" for her soul. For true lovers of the good brandy and noble tobacco. For those who know how to take their time. Because today, as he says, this is a problem. We don't take our time, and that's why everything just passes us by.
Because everyone is already talking about wine and although Majda Debevc is also an exceptional wine expert, this time we talked about spirits. She says that she is a bit of a "clumsy", she proves to be a talkative, direct, curious and interesting interlocutor.
City Magazine: Spirits and cigars are a man's thing, liqueurs a woman's. Does it hold?
Majda Debevc: I absolutely disagree with that! Why do they always push sweet things on women? Women are damn good at knowing and feeling good things - and they're not just sweet!
"Spirits are not just called "spirits"
City Magazine: Your favorite brandy?
Majda Debevc: I'm still waiting for my favorite drink. I always discover new dimensions in each type of spirits. This world is changing because it does not stand still. Cognac today is a completely different drink than it was three or one hundred years ago. I never bother with the "best things."
City Magazine: Is the price of spirits commensurate with the quality?
Majda Debevc: More expensive is not always better. Price is a reflection of several factors. We have to add the marketing activities and the work invested. I will never say that a twenty year old whiskey is better than a fifteen year old of the same brand. This is not true. The best whiskey is the one you like. But why is older more expensive? Imagine fifteen years of liquid in a barrel and this is the youngest part of that bottle. Someone has to pay for this "condition". Older and more expensive whiskey is not necessarily better, but it is definitely different.
City Magazine: How developed is the culture of drinking spirits in our country?
Majda Debevc: Very poor. We have a handful of great connoisseurs who know how to enjoy spirits. Unfortunately, most of them drink what is "in", what someone recommends to them, what is considered good and what is, after all, the best marketing presentation. Our spirits consumers are the result of marketing. But I miss the research. There are so many choices, so why do we keep choosing the same bottle over and over again?
City Magazine: You, researching?
Majda Debevc: I research again and again. Whether it's a bottle of brandy or a new jam on the store shelf. You can't know if you don't try.
I also enjoy a cigar now and then in the company of wine, not just spirits. Photo: Mitja PuharCity Magazine: When do you treat yourself to a glass of brandy?
Majda Debevc: When I feel good. I'm not looking for special opportunities. I am an opportunity, life and the moment are an opportunity. Why should we always have to wait for something? My husband and I have long kept the tradition of sleeping in before lunch on weekends martini dry. I love old classic cocktails. On the summer terrace, I can hardly imagine anything better than a chilled gin and tonic with green lime and a blue transparent drink in a frosted glass. In the summer, we also mix a lot of refreshing cocktails with sparkling wines.
City Magazine: Light up a cigar?
Majda Debevc: Absolutely! But that's why I have to have time. I also enjoy a cigar now and then in the company of wine, not just spirits.
City Magazine: The season of socializing on open terraces is starting. What do you think of the offer?
Majda Debevc: On summer terraces, both on the coast and elsewhere in Slovenia, I especially miss more wine by the glass. There is nothing better in the summer than a cold sip of white wine in a misted glass... In the evening, I miss a more diverse range of spirits, several types of whiskey, several types of rum... Are Slovenians really as undemanding drinkers as our bars are modestly stocked? But I am very happy that the offer of mixed drinks is progressing.
City Magazine: Do you think that any drink in your opinion has particularly stood out on the Slovenian market in recent years?
Majda Debevc: Of course, the well-known Aperol Spritz, which has been an indispensable companion on restaurant terraces for more than two decades with our Italian neighbors and elsewhere in Europe. Aperol is a phenomenon that is very well nurtured on the Slovenian market by the company Mabat int., doo
City Magazine: Wine and food - definitely. What about spirits and food?
Majda Debevc: Also! The spirit is more concentrated, so it is not suitable for drinking with the main course. However, the spirit goes extremely well with dry dishes, such as cheese, and it also goes well with desserts. For example, wine and chocolate go together only in exceptional cases, but spirits go together without problems. Cognac and chocolate are a wonderful pair. Or smoked whiskey and noble mold cheese. And tobacco with spirits. But for that we need prior knowledge, we can't just mix everything up. It is necessary to explore and learn in order to enjoy perfection.
