Blacklisted Brandy isn’t just another alcohol brand—it’s a movement. Founded by Draga Culic, Blacklisted is unapologetically disrupting the spirits industry with a rebellious ethos and an unwavering commitment to quality. This all-women-founded brand is built on defiance—against mass production, against corporate control, and against the idea that luxury and authenticity can’t coexist. Sourcing 100% heirloom, non-GMO, glyphosate-free fruit from Serbian family farms, Blacklisted delivers clean, fruit-forward brandies that embody both tradition and innovation. With flavors like Heirloom Apricot, Heirloom Pear, Heirloom Quince, and Aged Heirloom Plum, every sip embodies their statement “luxury meets wellness, meets screw the status quo.” This Women’s History Month we speak with Draga Culic, the woman herself, as we celebrate Blacklisted Brandy—fierce, independent, and unshaken in its mission to challenge the machine, one bottle at a time!

What inspired you to create Blacklisted Brandy? 

My inspiration for creating Blacklisted Brandy came from my love for Serbian fruit brandies and my desire to elevate and transform how people view this spirit. After spending time touring rakija (double distilled fruit brandies) distilleries in Serbia and experiencing how refined and sophisticated it had become, I realized there was an opportunity to introduce this beautiful, fruit-forward brandy to the American market in a more modern and elegant way. I wanted to celebrate the heritage of fruit brandy while creating something that could be appreciated by the contemporary craft cocktail community.

Your brand has a rebellious, independent ethos—what message are you hoping to send through Blacklisted? 

Blacklisted embodies the strength of challenging the status quo, speaking truth to power, fearlessness and breaking barriers. It's a brand that celebrates challenging norms and pushing past expectations and convention. The message we wish to send across through Blacklisted is that we can redefine what spirits are, whether it's bringing brandy back into the spotlight or breaking through the traditional boundaries that have held certain spirits back for too long.

Can you share more about why you chose to focus on Serbian heirloom fruit brandy and how your heritage influences your work? 

My Serbian heritage plays a huge role in my passion for fruit brandy. The traditions around brandy-making in Serbia are rich, and I saw firsthand how sophisticated rakija (Serbian brandy) has become. Even though I’m born in the US, I’ve always felt connected to my family’s roots in Serbia, and my travels there deeply influenced my decision to focus on heirloom fruit brandy. I wanted to bring that authenticity and appreciation for quality fruit to the forefront and share this unique aspect of my culture with the world.

The spirits industry is full of legacy brands. How does Blacklisted carve out its own space and stand apart? 

Blacklisted stands apart by focusing on a spirit that’s been overlooked for too long: Brandy. With its fruit-forward, clean, and high-quality profile, Blacklisted is bringing brandy back into the craft cocktail scene. The brand is also unique in that it’s built on transparency, and quality, and it doesn’t shy away from challenging the stereotypes that have surrounded brandy. We’re elevating a centuries-old tradition while offering something fresh, clean, and versatile for modern drinkers.

Blacklisted Brandy

The spirits industry has historically been male-dominated. Have you seen a shift in opportunities for women in recent years? 

There has definitely been a shift in the right direction. I’ve seen more and more opportunities for women to lead and break into new areas. Whether as founders, distillers, or in leadership roles, women are carving out their own space and changing the landscape. It's encouraging to see more women taking charge and making an impact.

What advice would you give to other women looking to break into the spirits industry, whether as entrepreneurs or distillers? 

My advice would be to embrace your authenticity, trust yourself, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. The spirits industry can be tough, but if you’re passionate, dedicated, and clear about your vision, you’ll carve out a place for yourself. Also, never underestimate the power of building relationships and surrounding yourself with a supportive network.

Are there any women in the industry—or outside of it—who have inspired or mentored you along your journey? 

I’ve been inspired by many women, both inside and outside the industry. One of the most influential for me has been my mother, her resilience & hard work as an immigrant - creating a life out of nothing - shaped who I am today. In the spirits industry, I admire women who have broken down barriers, such as those pioneering their own brands and fighting for a voice in a historically male-dominated space.

As a female founder, what impact do you hope Blacklisted has beyond just being a great brandy? 

As a female founder, I hope Blacklisted Brandy can serve as a platform to inspire others, particularly women, to pursue their dreams, take risks, and break barriers in any industry. Beyond making a great spirit, I want Blacklisted to be a brand that embodies authenticity, truth-telling, and a spirit pushing boundaries. I want to prove that you don’t have to follow the traditional path to success, and that with passion and determination, you can forge your own.

What’s next for Blacklisted Brandy? Any new innovations, flavors, or markets you’re excited about? 

I’m excited to continue expanding Blacklisted’s presence and introducing it into cocktail bars, independent liquor stores, and to consumers alike. We’re always looking for new ways to share the story of fruit brandy and its versatility in the cocktail scene. There are also exciting plans for new markets, and I’m looking forward to taking Blacklisted to even more craft cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

Lastly, for Women’s History Month, is there a message you’d like to share with women pushing boundaries in their industries?  

My message would be: keep pushing, keep believing in yourself, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t. As women, we face unique challenges, but those challenges often fuel our drive and determination. If you have a vision, go for it. The world needs more women who are bold, innovative, and unapologetically themselves. The journey may not always be easy, but it’s always worth it. 

Header image sourced from Draga Culic.

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