The Illyrian Press

Our story begins in 2005 when a young Andrew Strong - hopeless romantic, failed musician, and brilliant human rights attorney - fell in love with Kosovo. Before he would embark on a decades-long career defending Kosovar freedom in the international courts of The Hague, Andrew lived in Prishtinë, learned to speak Albanian, traveled extensively throughout the region, and became deeply knowledgeable of its rich history and culture. This included southern Albania's stunning Ionian coastline -- known as Illyria in Ancient Greece and Rome, this region has been producing olive oil for over 2,500 years. 

When it was finally time to settle down and marry the love of his life (me), Andrew moved to East Hampton, NY and started this olive oil company as way to remember he used to be cool and fancy, and as a meaningful way to keep this beloved part of the world close, share its beauty with the people we love in the States, and provide a meaningful livelihood to farmers and families close to our hearts in Albania. Luckily, Rachael (still me) was a decent artist and was able to sketch this fine little label. (What I was going for here was for it to feel like a little piece of art; like a real pen and ink drawing, or a watercolour, or something...). On the Albanian side of things is dear friend and partner Alban Rafuna in Prishtinë, longest running recipient of the most contagious smile award and without whom this business would not be possible. 

The olive oil itself is pressed in Vlorë from a single varietal of olive called the Kalinjot (ka-lee-nyot), which grows exclusively in southern Albania. It is high in polyphenols and antioxidants (the things in olive oil that make it good for you) and has a bright green aroma (like a new tomato-vine, if you can imagine that), fresh flavor, and peppery finish. Our olives are hand-picked each fall by local families, never blended, and always cold pressed within 24 hours of leaving the tree. 

Three kids and many life changes later, Rachael (still me) feels very lucky to carry on this special little company in Andrew's memory, and is very proud to share this delicious olive oil with you. 

Thank you for being here. Enjoy!

Rachael