Distillery Zaric Kraljica 14 Plum Brandy

Crafted in Kosjerić, Serbia, by Destilerija Zarić (one of the Balkan region's most celebrated modern craft distilleries), Kraljica 14 ("Queen 14") is an ultra-premium, extra-aged plum rakija (Šljivovica). Building upon the foundation of their signature Kraljica 7, this expression is distilled from double-distilled fermented mash featuring strictly indigenous Serbian plum varieties: Požegača, Trnovača, and Crvena Ranka. The distillate is matured for an extraordinary 14 years in select Serbian oak barrels (barrique). Over fourteen years of quiet oxidation, the fiery nature of young plum spirit transforms into a noble, amber-hued brandy of remarkable harmony. It blends lush dried plum fruit, vanilla, dark honey, toasted hazelnut, and refined oak tannins while honoring centuries of traditional Serbian plum brandy craftsmanship.

Food Pairing: Aged Serbian cheeses (such as aged Kajmak or hard goat cheese), dark chocolate, roasted pork belly, cured smoked meats (pršut), walnut desserts, or paired alongside a rich cigar.

Tasting Notes: Deep mahogany-amber in appearance with golden and brilliant copper highlights, displaying excellent clarity, a medium-to-full body, and slow, elegant legs coating the glass.

Nose: Rich, complex, and noble, opening with intense dried plum, prune, and fig, followed by dark honey, toasted hazelnut, vanilla bean, polished oak wood, and soft baking spices.

Palate: Velvety, smooth, and deeply harmonious on the palate, featuring caramelized plum nectar, dark honey, and ripe stone fruit upfront before developing into dark chocolate, toasted oak tannins, cinnamon, and subtle tobacco notes.

Finish: Long, warm, and refined with lingering notes of sweet prune preserve, warm oak spice, vanilla, and an enduring, silky digestif finish.

Serve: Enjoy neat at room temperature or slightly chilled in a classic tulip-shaped rakija glass or cognac snifter after a meal, allowing the glass to breathe for a few minutes to reveal its 14-year oak bouquet.