A great spirit can often define a place and become inseparable from its mythology. In Southeastern Europe, particularly the Balkans, that is rakija. It is a key ingredient in the fabric of life from childbirth, to weddings, to funerals…and everything in between. The most popular is made from plums and called “šljivovica”. Yebiga is a textbook šljivovica, made in cooperation with one of Serbia’s premier families of distillation, that faithfully honors tradition with 100% natural ingredients: hand-picked first grade čačanska rodna plums and pure mountain spring water. Yebiga Bela is the company’s second Rakija bottling, following the company’s 18-month-minimum aged, 43% abv “PRVA” expression, unveiled in 2019. “BELA” is bottled unaged, reduced with spring water to 40% abv, for a slightly softer and less spicy expression of the spirit.

Customarily enjoyed neat at room temperature, it carries a distinctive nose and character that is unlike anything else on the American bar shelf. Aromas of fresh pine and floral notes. Soft round plum fruit on the palate, with a light body. Finish is soft but lingering, with a hint of citrus and flowers.