From Korça with love (and humor): The true story behind the phrase “Kiss Milo”

Yes! The well-known phrase many people use humorously today “Puthu me Milon” (“Kiss Milo”) originated in Korçë, and behind it stands a real person: Milo, a lively and witty man from Korçë who worked first as a driver and later as a technician at the Korça Brewery.

According to old stories, Milo was a beloved and cheerful man, but he had one unforgettable trait: his large belly! For this reason, his coworkers would jokingly say that “no one could hug Milo,” and from this playful remark, the saying that later became legendary “Kiss Milo” was born.

The photograph circulating today, taken by a German reporter in the 1960s, shows Milon at the brewery, with his usual smile and a presence that evokes nostalgia for a simpler, sincere time.

Korça Beer, first produced in 1928, is closely tied to this story. It remains a symbol of local tradition, craftsmanship, and Korçë pride, a flavor passed down through generations, along with the memories of people like Miloja, who brought humor and spirit to every workday.

So next time you hear someone say “Puthu me Milon,” remember: it’s not just an old joke, it’s a slice of Korçë humor, a living story from the heart of the city of beer and hospitality.

"KORCA BOOM"