Biska is one of the most distinctive artisan spirits in Croatia. This herbal brandy, made by macerating mistletoe in grape spirit, has been produced in the tiny hilltop town of Hum for centuries and is inextricably linked to the region Glagolitic cultural heritage.
The Spirit and Its Origins
Hum, with fewer than 30 permanent residents, is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the smallest town in the world. Its fame rests largely on biska, produced by the local Banda family for generations.
- Made from white mistletoe macerated in rakija grape spirit
- Golden colour with a distinctive herbal, slightly bitter taste
- Served at room temperature as an aperitivo or digestivo
- The only commercial producer is the Banda family in Hum
The Glagolitic Road to Hum
The road from Roc to Hum is lined with eleven large stone sculptures inscribed with letters from the Glagolitic alphabet, the ancient script of Croatian Catholicism.
Biska tastes like Istria itself — complex, a little bitter, deeply herbal, and utterly unlike anything else.
Visiting Hum
- The town can be walked in 10 minutes — but the journey is the experience
- Purchase biska at the town small shop
- Best combined with a drive along the Glagolitic Alley from Roc
