Zaric Medena Liqueur 750ML

Zaric Medena Liqueur 750ML is a 30% ABV (60 proof) Serbian honey-infused plum brandy liqueur made with first-class honey and propolis. Produced by Destilerija Zaric in the mountainous Kosjerić region of western Serbia, this expression stands apart through its distinctive use of propolis — a rare bee-derived ingredient seldom found in commercial spirits.

Quick Facts: ABV: 30%  |  Origin: Kosjerić, Serbia  |  Honey & Propolis Plum Brandy Liqueur  |  Distillery: Destilerija Zaric

Production & Heritage

Destilerija Zaric operates out of Kosjerić, a small town in western Serbia's fruit-growing heartland between the Povlen and Maljen mountain ranges. The base spirit is a mild plum brandy, double-distilled before being blended with honey sourced from the clean, high-altitude slopes of Zlatibor Mountain — one of Serbia's most prized apiarian regions. What distinguishes Medena from other honey-enriched rakijas is the addition of propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees and valued in Serbian folk tradition for its health-supporting properties. Because propolis naturally settles over time, each bottle should be gently stirred before pouring to achieve a uniform taste throughout the pour.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm floral honey leads, followed by soft ripe plum and a subtle waxy, resinous quality from the propolis. There is a gentle herbal undertone beneath the sweetness.

Taste: The entry is smooth and honeyed, with the double-distilled plum brandy providing a mild, rounded fruit character at the mid-palate. The propolis adds a layer of earthy, almost beeswax-like complexity that prevents the sweetness from becoming one-dimensional.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering honey warmth and a faint herbal, slightly peppery fade. The plum base keeps the close clean rather than cloying.

How to Drink Zaric Medena

Destilerija Zaric recommends serving Medena at room temperature — never chilled — to preserve the full aromatic range of the honey and propolis. It functions well as both an aperitif and a digestif. In a Bee's Knees, Medena can replace the honey syrup component entirely, adding depth from the plum base and propolis. A Gold Rush variation works similarly, where the liqueur's natural sweetness balances fresh lemon juice and a small measure of bourbon. For a simple long serve, try it in a Honey Highball with chilled soda water and a lemon twist, letting the plum-honey character stretch into a refreshing format.

Best For

• After-dinner sipping alongside fruit desserts or chocolate cake
• Gifting someone interested in Eastern European artisan spirits
• Introducing friends to Serbian rakija culture in an approachable, sweeter format
• Building a home bar collection of honey-based liqueurs and digestifs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Zaric Medena taste like? Zaric Medena delivers a smooth, honeyed sweetness layered over a mild double-distilled plum brandy base, with earthy, resinous depth from propolis. It is noticeably sweet and works equally well as an aperitif or digestif.

How does Zaric Medena compare to Stara Sokolova Medovina? Both are Serbian honey-plum brandy blends drawing honey from the Zlatibor region, but Zaric Medena includes propolis in its formulation, which adds an earthy, waxy complexity not found in Stara Sokolova's expression. Zaric Medena is bottled at 30% ABV, positioning it squarely as a liqueur rather than a full-strength rakija.

Is Zaric Medena good for sipping neat? Yes — the distillery specifically recommends neat service at room temperature, which allows the honey and propolis aromatics to express fully without being muted by cold.

Where is Zaric Medena made? Zaric Medena is produced by Destilerija Zaric in Kosjerić, a town in western Serbia situated between the Povlen and Maljen mountain ranges. The honey is sourced from the slopes of nearby Zlatibor Mountain, and the plums come from the surrounding sun-exposed hillsides.

What foods pair well with Zaric Medena? Chocolate cake and rich chocolate truffles complement the honey sweetness. Fresh stone fruit desserts like plum tarts mirror the base spirit. Aged Serbian cheeses provide a savory contrast. Baklava and other nut-and-honey pastries create a harmonious pairing, while dried figs and walnuts make a simple but effective accompaniment.

What sizes does Zaric Medena come in? Zaric Medena is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Zaric Medena worth the price? Zaric Medena positions as a mid-range artisan liqueur within the Serbian rakija-based spirits category. The use of Zlatibor Mountain honey and the uncommon addition of propolis represent genuine production costs that justify its positioning above mass-market honey brandies.

Why Zaric Medena?

The defining feature of Zaric Medena is propolis — a bee-derived ingredient almost never used in commercially available spirits. This single addition transforms what could be a straightforward honey brandy into something with genuine textural and aromatic complexity. The sourcing is transparent and regionally specific: Zlatibor Mountain honey and plums from the slopes of Povlen and Maljen. For anyone exploring Serbian spirits beyond standard šljivovica, or building a collection of distinctive honey liqueurs, Medena represents a category of one in most Western markets.