Yebiga Prva is a textbook, barrel aged Serbian rakija od šljiva (trans: rakija from plum). Faithful to the style, this one is made with ripe, hyperlocal plums from the mountains near Kraljevo. PRVA is crafted with 100% natural ingredients and pure, mountain spring water. The čačanska rodna plums are hand-harvested to craft a distillate that’s aged for a minimum of 18 months.

The resulting pale, sun-yellow hue of the PRVA and its delicate notes of plum, vanilla, honey and blackcurrant emerges from the traditional “quercus petraea” oak barrels used for aging (also harvested from the local mountain forests). Your introduction starts with floral aromas, giving way to a hint of spice and citrus on the front palate, followed by round, forward notes of plum, vanilla and deep baking fruit at the finish.

As an aperitif, its velvet attack will not overpower fresh salads, mezze or light appetizers. Still, its long, comforting finish makes it an ideal companion to grilled, stewed, and cured meats and cheeses. It can serve as an excellent digestif, though it goes equally well with a coffee in the morning. This is a spirit to sip and savor, providing  great company to a cigar and a good book.