Dutch-Croatian entrepreneur revives family tradition with award-winning vodka

(Photo: POSCOQ)

Croatian heritage has long been celebrated through its traditions, flavours and family stories, and for one entrepreneur in the Netherlands, those roots have become the inspiration behind an award-winning vodka brand.

Tomas Grdić, founder of POSCOQ Vodka, grew up in Rotterdam but spent many childhood holidays in Croatia, where his grandfather distilled homemade šljivovica from plums grown in his own garden. 

Those memories of family gatherings, tradition and craftsmanship would later inspire Grdić to create a premium vodka brand that blends modern ambition with Croatian heritage.

Just two years after launching, POSCOQ Vodka has already made its mark internationally, winning a gold award at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition in London.

We caught up with Grdić, who tells us about his Croatian roots, the story behind the brand, the inspiration drawn from his grandfather’s rakija, and his vision for bringing POSCOQ Vodka to markets around the world, including Croatia itself.

Can you tell us about your Croatian roots and where your family comes from?

My family originally comes from Slunj, a charming town in central Croatia known for its beautiful nature and the famous Rastoke waterfalls. I was born and raised in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, where I have spent my entire life.

Despite growing up abroad, Croatia has always been an important part of my identity because of my family and the memories I have there.

You’ve spoken about reviving your grandfather’s traditional šljivovica. Can you tell us more about him and the role rakija played in your family growing up?

My grandparents on my father’s side lived in Croatia, and every summer and winter holiday we would pile into the car and drive there as a family. Arriving at my grandparents’ home was always a joyful reunion, those are some of my most cherished memories.

My grandfather was lovingly known as Dede Sunce (Grandfather Sun), and every year he distilled his own šljivovica from hand-picked plums grown in his garden. 

The moment we arrived, the “liquid gold” would be brought out to toast our return.

What I remember most vividly is the authentic copper pot still standing in the cellar, surrounded by his šljivovica stored in beautifully woven glass jugs.

As a child I was never allowed to taste it, of course, but he made so much over the years that I am still able to enjoy it today. In every sip you can taste his love. It was the drink of life, something shared with family and friends to celebrate simply being together.

And every visit, we would take litres of his precious spirit back home with us to the Netherlands.

Tomas and dede Sunce (Photo: Private album)

What does Croatia mean to you personally today, especially as you build a brand inspired by its heritage?

I have a deep and lasting bond with Croatia, even though I do not live there myself. Fortunately, I am close enough to visit every year to see my family and enjoy the beauty of the country, its people, its food and its atmosphere.

The moment I arrive in Croatia, it feels like coming home. That warmth and sense of belonging is exactly what I want to share with others through POSCOQ Vodka.

How has the Croatian community supported your journey?

The support I receive means the world to me, from my family and friends, but also from the Croatian community here in the Netherlands.

The Croatian diaspora here is vibrant and incredibly proud of its roots. When we launched two years ago, many people immediately bought the product and shared it enthusiastically on social media.

That kind of organic support, rooted in genuine pride and connection, is something I am truly grateful for.

How did POSCOQ Vodka begin, and what is the philosophy behind the brand?

POSCOQ Vodka was born from a deep desire to honour my grandfather’s craft, to take his legacy and give it a modern expression while keeping the family tradition alive.

At the heart of the brand is a simple philosophy: celebrating life is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and others.

Life is made up of countless moments, big or small, spontaneous or carefully planned, and it is important to make each moment count. POSCOQ Vodka is our way of being part of those moments.

(Photo: POSCOQ)

What were the biggest challenges in building the brand?

The most exciting part of building POSCOQ Vodka, and at the same time the most challenging, has been shaping the brand’s image.

In other words, how people perceive POSCOQ Vodka based on their experiences, emotions and associations with it.

That process cannot be rushed. It requires patience, care and many small, deliberate steps. But it is also what makes the journey so rewarding.

Like any passion project, there were moments of doubt, but those small steps forward always reminded me why I started.

What have been the most rewarding milestones over the past two years?

The most rewarding milestone has been the consistent praise for the quality of POSCOQ Vodka, from family and friends to everyday consumers and industry experts.

However, the defining moment came last year when I entered POSCOQ Vodka into the International Wine & Spirits Competition in London, one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world.

POSCOQ Vodka won a gold award, and that truly said it all. It confirmed that this is a top-shelf product.

More than anything, it felt like a tribute to my grandfather. That gold medal is as much his as it is mine.

(Photo: POSCOQ)

Where do you see POSCOQ Vodka in five years?

In five years, I hope POSCOQ Vodka will be a well-established brand available in multiple countries.

But one market holds a very special place in my heart, Croatia. Bringing POSCOQ Vodka back to the country that inspired it all would be the ultimate full-circle moment.

Are there plans to expand into Croatia or other international markets?

Expanding into Croatia is one of my biggest ambitions, and it feels like the most natural next step for POSCOQ Vodka.

After all, this is a product rooted in Croatian heritage, so seeing it served in Croatian shops, bars, hotels and nightclubs would be an incredibly special milestone.

If anyone sees an opportunity for collaboration, I would love to make it happen.

From Croatia, the dream is to grow organically across the rest of the Balkans and beyond, one market at a time.

On the brand’s two-year anniversary, what does success mean to you personally?

For me, success means seeing POSCOQ Vodka come to life, from an idea in my head to a brand that people genuinely enjoy and connect with.

It is about sharing our passion, creating unforgettable moments and staying true to our roots while continuing to dream bigger.

What advice would you give to young Croatians abroad who want to turn a personal story into a global brand?

Embrace your roots and let your personal story be the foundation of your brand.

Stay authentic, never compromise on quality and be bold. Passion and consistency are what make people stop, listen and connect with your story.

The world is bigger than you think, and there is room for everyone with something real to say.

Can you tell us about the name POSCOQ – what does it mean?

POSCOQ takes its name from the Poskok snake, which lives under the Croatian sun in the same garden where my grandfather’s plums once grew.

With its potent venom and ability to rise and strike with precision, the Poskok symbolises boldness and exceptional quality, values that are at the heart of POSCOQ Vodka.

(Photo: POSCOQ)

How does POSCOQ Vodka stand out from other premium vodkas?

What sets POSCOQ Vodka apart is both what is in the bottle and the story behind it.

It is a premium wheat vodka with a subtle hint of plum, a nod to the plums my grandfather once grew and distilled with such care.

But beyond the liquid itself, there is a deeper story rooted in family and heritage. My hope is that everyone who picks up a bottle of POSCOQ feels like they are part of that story.

You can find out more about on the official website here or connect with POSCOQ Vodka on Instagram and LinkedIn.