Kabina Distilling Gold Rakija

The more premium version of the Ezevo Gold, Kabina’s Gold Rakija is again bottled at 40%. This version is softer on the nose, with more obvious oak and warm spices like toasted cardamom, cinnamon and a wonderful dried apricot note. As with the others in this premium range, the nose is super well integrated and refined, with no hint of aggressive spirit. The palate is very approachable and easy-drinking, perhaps lacking the grip and texture of the Classic but still offering some nice vanilla and toast from the oak. As with the Balance, this is for people who like their spirits more refined and less bombastic —a really well-made grape spirit that’s complex enough to sip neat.

Fred Siggins