Meet our founder

~discover the inspiration behind our female-founder-led brand~

Inspiration & Experience:

Draga Culic, founder and CEO of Blacklisted Brandy, blends her Serbian heritage with extensive experience in the global spirits industry. After years navigating corporate strategy, brand development, and premium beverage markets, she set out to create a brand that combines artisanal craft with industry expertise. Inspired by Serbia’s long tradition of rakija and European Eau de Vie, Draga envisioned a clean, small-batch fruit brandy that elevates heirloom fruit flavors while staying additive-free — a modern interpretation of centuries-old distilling techniques.

Craft, Versatility, and Cocktail Vision:

Draga saw a gap in the U.S. market: brandy, once the #1 spirit category in America before Prohibition, had fallen out of favor despite being the base in nearly one-third of classic cocktails. She envisioned Blacklisted Brandy as a premium, fruit-forward cocktail spirit, versatile enough to shine on its own or as a base in craft cocktails. From the Aged Heirloom Plum Old Fashioned to the Pear Martini, the fruit-forward vibrancy of each bottle adds depth, dimension, and natural sweetness — eliminating the need for excess sugar or additives — making cocktails cleaner, more elegant, and full of character.

Craft & Product Story:

Draga partnered with a master distiller in Serbia to develop the perfect formula for the U.S. market, combining traditional techniques with modern craft standards. Together, they ensure that each bottle of Blacklisted Brandy uses over 30 pounds of handpicked heirloom fruit, carefully fermented and copper pot-distilled. The spirits are then either aged in Serbian oak barrels (Aged Heirloom Plum) or rested in stainless steel vats (Heirloom Apricot, Pear & Quince) to highlight the purity and vibrant fruit character. Every bottle is additive-free, sugar-free, and transparent — a clean spirit that honors both heritage and innovation.

The Vision:

As a female-founded and independently owned brand, Blacklisted embodies Draga’s vision of quality, integrity, and empowerment. She aims not only to redefine fruit brandy in the U.S., but also to inspire others — particularly women — to pursue bold ideas in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Through Blacklisted Brandy, Draga invites enthusiasts to experience clean, artisanal spirits that elevate cocktails and honor heritage, combining craft, innovation, and exceptional taste in every sip.