Stara Sokolova Apricot Brandy 750ML

Stara Sokolova Apricot Brandy 750ML is a 40% ABV Serbian apricot brandy (kajsija rakija) double-distilled in copper pot stills from heritage fruit. Awarded a Silver medal at the 2024 London Spirits Competition, this expression reflects over 125 years of family distilling tradition rooted in the orchards of Western Serbia.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Western Serbia & Šumadija, Serbia  |  Style: Apricot Brandy (Kajsija Rakija)  |  Distillery: Bogdanovic Family Distillery

Production & Heritage

The Bogdanovic family has been distilling rakija since 1897, passing their methods through eight generations. Heritage apricots sourced from Western Serbia and the Šumadija region are hand-picked at peak ripeness, then double-distilled in old copper pot stills — a process that concentrates the fruit's natural aromatics while stripping harshness. The resulting spirit is aged in hand-selected oak barrels, which contribute subtle structure and warmth without overwhelming the apricot character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh, ripe apricot leads immediately, followed by gentle vanilla and light citrus blossom. A faint almond undertone emerges as the spirit opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with honeyed apricot dominating the mid-palate. Subtle baking spice and a whisper of toasted almond develop as it moves toward the peak, giving the brandy a layered complexity that belies its straightforward fruit origins. The velvety texture keeps the spirit approachable without feeling thin.

Finish: Soft and silky, with lingering sweetness and a clean apricot echo that fades gradually. A delicate warmth from the oak aging provides just enough backbone to keep the finish satisfying.

How to Drink Stara Sokolova Apricot

Traditional Serbian custom calls for sipping rakija neat at room temperature, which allows the full apricot bouquet to express itself; a small tulip-shaped glass is ideal. A single ice cube or splash of cold water can tame the warmth for warmer-weather drinking.

• Apricot Sour: The natural fruit intensity holds its own against fresh lemon juice and simple syrup, producing a balanced, fragrant sour.
• Brandy Old Fashioned: Swap bourbon for this apricot brandy — the honeyed stone-fruit notes complement Angostura bitters and an orange twist beautifully.
• Bellini Twist: A half-ounce floated into a Prosecco flute adds genuine apricot depth that flavored liqueurs cannot replicate.

Best For

• Introducing friends to authentic Serbian rakija culture
• After-dinner digestif alongside stone-fruit desserts
• Gifting someone who appreciates artisanal, family-produced spirits
• Building a brandy collection beyond Cognac and Calvados

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stara Sokolova Apricot taste like? It delivers a pronounced honeyed apricot flavor with supporting notes of vanilla, light citrus, and almond, wrapped in a smooth, velvety texture. The finish is soft and clean with lingering stone-fruit sweetness.

How does Stara Sokolova Apricot compare to Zaric Magija Apricot Brandy? Both are Serbian copper-distilled kajsija rakijas at 40% ABV, but Stara Sokolova draws on a documented family recipe dating to 1897 and emphasizes oak-aged smoothness. Zaric Magija tends to lean brighter and more fruit-forward in style, making the two complementary rather than interchangeable.

Is Stara Sokolova Apricot good for sipping neat? Yes — the double copper-pot distillation produces a clean, round spirit that drinks comfortably at 40% ABV without requiring dilution, making it an excellent neat sipper.

Where is Stara Sokolova Apricot made? It is produced by the Bogdanovic family distillery in the Western Serbia and Šumadija region of Serbia, an area renowned for its heritage apricot orchards and long rakija-making tradition.

What foods pair well with Stara Sokolova Apricot? Aged semi-hard cheeses such as Gouda or Manchego complement the brandy's sweetness. Grilled lamb seasoned with rosemary echoes the spirit's subtle herbal warmth. Apricot tart or almond cake amplifies shared flavor notes. Turkish delight or marzipan bridges the almond and stone-fruit character. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage provides a bittersweet contrast.

What sizes does Stara Sokolova Apricot come in? The standard widely available bottle is 750ml at 40% ABV.

Is Stara Sokolova Apricot worth the price? It positions as a mid-premium apricot brandy, offering genuine copper-pot distillation, oak aging, and an eight-generation heritage recipe — attributes that typically command higher prices in the fruit brandy category, making it strong value for the quality delivered.

Why Stara Sokolova Apricot?

Few apricot brandies sold outside the Balkans carry a production lineage stretching back to 1897 and verified by eight consecutive generations at the still. The Silver medal at the 2024 London Spirits Competition confirms that the quality translates beyond regional reputation. Double distillation in aged copper pot stills followed by oak barrel maturation gives this kajsija a polish that many fruit brandies in its price tier lack. For anyone seeking an authentic Serbian rakija with traceable provenance and genuine complexity, this bottling makes a compelling case.