BILL GOULD presents his latest export from The Balkans 'Yebiga' Rakija

Faith No More has made it possible for Bill Gould to become a well travelled man. He has experienced culture, music and traditions from around the globe and formed emotional bonds with places in South America and Europe. 

His journeys have aided in finding some incredible and unique music to release on his label Koolarrow Records, one such band is Bosnian pop outfit Dubioza Kolektiv. The Balkans culture captivated Bill so much that he has a new export which he is excited to tell us all about, 

"Not a lot of people know this, but from decades of touring and travelling the Balkans I have become very attached to a popular spirit called rakija. It's been made for centuries in the area but it seems that not many people in the US know what it is; and if they do, they seem to only be familiar with the nasty stuff."

Yebiga is a fruit brandy created by Bill, brewed in Serbia and imported to the U.S. However it is not just the taste that attracts someone to this brandy or rakija, as is an important part of Southeast European culture. Drunk during religious ceremonies, weddings and funerals, when drinking "for the soul" of the deceased, one spills some rakija on the ground, saying "For the peaceful rest of the soul", before drinking the rest.

"...I decided to bring out a rakija of my own. Over the past few years I've made it a personal mission to bring a solid, all natural rakija to America and I've finally succeeded with Yebiga. Right now it is only available in California, but we have plans in place to move across the States. You can learn more about it at www.yebiga.com"

On Wednesday August 7th at Bar Eldorado in L.A (416 S Spring St, Los Angeles, California 90013) Bill himself will present Yebiga and answer any questions about the drink. 

"... you can learn about and taste it for yourself. Ironically this is not much different from my early music days when I took cassettes to booking agents and record labels, and played any gig I could get. But I'm totally fine with that: I am doing this because I love it and because it time that this sophisticated spirit received the appreciation it deserves!"

There we will another tasting session at the Willow Bar in San Francisco later in August (22nd). More details soon.

A final word from Bill, "This story should not be about me. I am doing this because I love it and because I have deep appreciation for the culture that has perfected this. It is time that this sophisticated spirit received the appreciation it deserves, and I hope the feeling that I've enjoyed over so many years in the Balkans can somehow find a connection here."

Keep up to date with Yebiga on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Where to buy

BARS:

THE ALEMBIC
1725 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117

DANNY COYLE’S
668 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117

DOGPATCH SALOON
2496 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107

F8
1192 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103

RADHAUS
Landmark Building A, San Francisco, CA 94109

RICKSHAW STOP
155 Fell St, San Francisco, CA 94102

RUMORS
398 7th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

TARTINE MANUFACTORY
595 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94110

THE ROYAL CUCKOO LOUNGE
3202 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

ALEX’S BAR
2913 E. Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804

STORES:

THE JUG SHOP
1590 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109  

SANTA MONICA LIQUOR
1001 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401  

BARTLETT MARKET
3347 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110  

GREEK IMPORTS
6524 Mission St, Daly City, CA 94014