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OUR STORY

the Tarik name

Grandma Tarik was the soul of every gathering—known for the warmth of her kitchen, her generous spirit, and the Areke she lovingly distilled. Born in the highlands of Gojam, Ethiopia, she upheld a tradition where food and drink were expressions of care, connection, and celebration.

Her handcrafted Areke, made with patience and pride, was the centerpiece of every joyful moment. More than just a drink, it was a symbol of resilience, heritage, and hospitality—infused with the same heart she poured into every meal.

Today, Tarik Areke honors her legacy. Each bottle is a tribute to her love, her traditions, and the women who keep culture alive through craft and community.

GRANDMA TARIK

the Founder

Yamrot Ezineh is the visionary master distiller behind Tarik Areke, an Ethiopian spirit brand rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and heart. Born in Addis Ababa and raised in a family that cherished tradition, Yamrot grew up immersed in the aromas of spices and the warmth of community gatherings. Her earliest memories include watching her grandmother distill areke using ancestral techniques—rituals that would later inspire her life's work.

With a deep desire to honor her cultural roots, Yamrot pursued studies in chemistry and fermentation sciences, complementing her education with apprenticeships in both Ethiopian and international distilleries. She became one of the region’s few formally trained female distillers, merging scientific precision with traditional intuition. In 2020, she launched Tarik Areke in tribute to her late grandmother Tarik, whose name means “history” in Amharic. Each small batch is slow-distilled using hand-selected grains, herbs, and indigenous botanicals from Ethiopia’s highlands—capturing a spirit that’s both modern and timeless.

Under Yamrot’s leadership, Tarik Areke has gained a loyal following for its smooth, aromatic profile and ability to evoke the soul of Ethiopia in every sip. Her work as a distiller, educator, and cultural ambassador has brought areke to a global stage, sparking interest from chefs, bartenders, and spirit connoisseurs. Through every bottle, Yamrot is not just preserving tradition—she’s redefining it for a new generation.

Let’s raise a glass to family, culture, and the love that brings us together!

YAMROT EZINHE

The Distillery

At Tarik Areke, people are often surprised to learn just how small and hands-on our operation truly is. From the outside, our presence feels much larger—but behind every bottle is a tight-knit team working with heart, hustle, and heritage. Every drop of our handcrafted Ethiopian spirit is produced, bottled, labeled, and packaged on our modest yet mighty 2,700-square-foot production floor in Washington, D.C.

We are proud to run our distillery with a rotating crew of dedicated workers—craftspeople who bring care and character to each batch we make. There's no corporate machine behind us, no massive facility—just a passionate group driven by tradition and love for what we do. Every element of our process, from sourcing ingredients to sealing the final product, is handled with intention and respect for the generations that came before us.

Tarik Areke was born out of a desire to honor our roots and share something deeply personal: a spirit that carries the flavors, memories, and warmth of Ethiopia. It’s not just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about the people who make it, the culture that shapes it, and the community that supports it. We’re small by design, because we believe in making every bottle count.

TARIK CRAFT DISTILLERY