Kabina Distilling Ezevo Rakija 47% ABV
Kabina’s Ezevo at 47% is a more traditional strength and, for about $10 more per bottle, I think it’s well worth the upgrade. There are aromas of strawberries poached in balsamic and vanilla bean galore, along with vegetal cut grass and the sweet funk of orchard fruit blossoms, with the extra alcohol nicely integrated and not at all aggressive. It’s more robust on the palate than its 40% sibling, and shows good structure all the way through, especially on the finish, with more vegetal, mineral and white pepper notes that linger without any unpleasant heat. I showed this to a Balkan-Australian friend who said this was the closest in the Kabina range to a traditional rakija, but done really well, and I’d be happy to sip it neat in the back shed with friends and a plate of pickles.
