OUR STORY

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the tarik name

Grandma Tarik was the soul of every family gathering. Born in Gojam, Ethiopia, she upheld a tradition where food and drink were expressions of love, connection, and celebration. Among her large family, church and neighborhood community, she was known for the warmth of her kitchen, her generous spirit, and the Areke she lovingly distilled.

A symbol of strength, she used that strength to nurture her immediate family while embracing her extended family as her own, creating a foundation of care and unity that touched everyone around her. 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, her strength, and the women who keep tradition and culture alive through craft and community.

GRANDMA TARIK

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A Spirit of Ethiopian Heritage

Yamrot Ezineh, Founder and Master Distiller of Tarik Areke, an Ethiopian-inspired craft spirits brand made in Washington, DC, smiling in a light blue button-up shirt.

the founder

Yamrot Ezineh is the visionary distiller and restaurateur behind Tarik Areke, an Ethiopian spirit brand rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and heart. Born in Addis Ababa, she grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the warmth of family gatherings, often watching her grandmother distill Areke using ancestral techniques.

Founder of Letena Ethiopian Restaurant in Washington, DC, Yamrot brings the same spirit of hospitality to her craft. With a background in Chemical/Process Engineering, she combines scientific precision with traditional intuition to create a refined version of Areke without sacrificing authenticity.

Launched in 2025 in tribute to her late grandmother Tarik, whose name means “historic” in Amharic, each small batch is slow distilled using pure honey and herbs, capturing the soul of Ethiopia in every sip. Through Tarik Areke, Yamrot is not only preserving tradition, but she is also redefining it for a new generation.

Let’s raise a glass to family, culture, love, history and the future!

YAMROT EZINEH

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THE DISTILLERY

FAQs

  • Areke is Ethiopia’s traditional spirit, often considered the tequila of Ethiopia. It is a clear, bold liquor distilled from fermented grains or honey using a native herb called gesho, which gives it a distinctive herbal character.

    Deeply rooted in Ethiopian culture, Areke has been enjoyed for generations at weddings, holidays, family gatherings, and celebrations. More than just a drink, it represents hospitality, community, and the tradition of bringing people together.

  • Yes, Our Tarik Reserve Areke and Tarik Cinnamon Areke are made from pure honey. We begin by fermenting the honey into a honey wine, then carefully distill it to extract and refine the alcohol. Using honey as the foundation of the spirit creates a smoother taste, a softer finish, and subtle natural flavors that make each sip unique. The result is a rich, clean, and exceptionally smooth spirit that honors Ethiopia’s distilling tradition while offering a refined drinking experience.

  • Many people expect a spirit distilled from honey to taste sweet like honey. However, during the production process, the honey's natural sugars are converted into alcohol and do not remain in the finished spirit.

    While Tarik Areke Reserve and Tarik Cinnamon are not sweet, the honey still contributes subtle floral notes, a smooth mouthfeel, and a rich depth of character that make these spirits unique.

  • Tarik Areke is crafted from a centuries-old Ethiopian recipe, reimagined through modern distillation. Made from honey or grains, it is fermented using our in-house wild yeast culture and balanced with hops that add depth and complexity. The spirit is distilled with exceptional care to preserve the rich flavors and aromas developed during fermentation, then rested on a clay bed to enhance its character and smoothness.

    We use no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, allowing the natural ingredients and traditional process to shine through. The result is a remarkably smooth and complex spirit that captures the essence of Ethiopian heritage while delivering a refined, modern drinking experience.

  • We'd love to hear from you. Click here to contact us, and we'll be happy to answer any questions about Tarik Areke.