Stara Sokolova Quince Brandy 750ML

Stara Sokolova Quince Brandy 750ML is a Serbian quince brandy (rakija) double-distilled in copper stills, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). This expression has earned a Great Gold Medal in the fruit brandies category, distinguishing it among the top quince spirits produced in Serbia's rich rakija tradition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Serbia  |  Style: Quince Brandy (Dunja Rakija)  |  Distillery: Bogdanović

Production & Heritage

Stara Sokolova is produced by the Bogdanović family distillery in Serbia, a country where quince brandy — known locally as dunja rakija — holds deep cultural significance. The brandy is double-distilled in traditional old copper pot stills using small batches of fully ripe quince, with approximately 16 kilograms of fruit required to produce just one liter of finished spirit. This intensive fruit-to-spirit ratio concentrates the natural character of the quince, preserving its aromatic complexity through a process that balances traditional Serbian distilling methods with careful fruit selection.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with fragrant ripe quince, giving way to delicate apple blossom and soft honey. The double distillation amplifies the aromatic intensity, lending a bold yet refined fruit-forward bouquet.

Taste: On the palate, bright quince fruit arrives immediately, rich and tangy with a lively acidity. The mid-palate develops layers of floral sweetness and orchard fruit before reaching a peak where the natural tartness and sweetness of quince find a precise equilibrium.

Finish: The finish is refreshing with a slight tartness that lingers alongside residual honeyed warmth. It closes clean and well-defined, encouraging another sip.

How to Drink Stara Sokolova Quince

Serbian tradition calls for sipping quince brandy neat at room temperature, which allows the full aromatic profile of the fruit to emerge. A small tulip-shaped glass concentrates the nose and is the preferred vessel in the Balkans. Beyond the traditional serve, this brandy works well in several cocktails: a Quince Sour, where the fruit's natural tartness reduces the need for excess citrus; a Brandy Cobbler, where the floral sweetness complements fresh seasonal fruit and crushed ice; and a Harvest Mule, substituting standard vodka for quince brandy to add aromatic depth to ginger beer and lime.

Best For

• Introducing friends to authentic Serbian rakija culture
• After-dinner digestif following rich autumn or winter meals
• Gifting to a spirits enthusiast who values fruit brandies and Old World traditions
• Building a diverse brandy collection beyond grape-based expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stara Sokolova Quince taste like? It delivers a bright, tangy quince flavor balanced by floral sweetness and honey, with a refreshing, slightly tart finish that reflects the natural character of ripe quince fruit.

How does Stara Sokolova Quince compare to Zarić Quince Brandy? Both are respected Serbian quince brandies, but Stara Sokolova is specifically noted for its double distillation in old copper stills, which tends to produce a bolder aromatic profile. Zarić is another top-tier competitor in the Serbian quince brandy category, and both are considered among the most prestigious expressions of dunja rakija.

Is Stara Sokolova Quince good for sipping neat? Yes — neat at room temperature is the traditional and recommended way to drink Serbian quince brandy, as it fully showcases the aromatic intensity achieved through double distillation and the concentrated fruit character from the high quince-to-spirit ratio.

Where is Stara Sokolova Quince made? It is produced by the Bogdanović family distillery in Serbia, a country with centuries of rakija-making tradition where quince brandy is among the most prized regional spirits.

What foods pair well with Stara Sokolova Quince? Aged hard cheeses such as Manchego or Gouda complement the fruit's tartness; cured meats like prosciutto mirror the spirit's savory undertones; baklava and honey-drenched pastries echo its floral sweetness; roasted pork pairs well with the brandy's bright acidity; and dried apricots or figs create a natural bridge to the orchard fruit character.

What sizes does Stara Sokolova Quince come in? The standard widely available size is 750ml.

Is Stara Sokolova Quince worth the price? It positions as a premium Serbian quince brandy, backed by multiple awards including a Great Gold Medal in the fruit brandies category. The production intensity — 16 kilograms of quince per liter of brandy — and small-batch copper pot distillation justify its standing within the premium tier of fruit brandies.

Why Stara Sokolova Quince?

What sets this expression apart is the sheer concentration of raw material: 16 kilograms of fully ripe quince distilled down to a single liter of spirit, double-distilled in old copper pot stills by the Bogdanović family. The result has earned recognition at competition level, including a Great Gold Medal and a Gold Plaque for Quality in the fruit brandies category. For anyone serious about exploring fruit brandy beyond the mainstream grape-based categories, this quince rakija represents one of Serbia's most decorated and authentic expressions of a deeply rooted distilling tradition.