The Most Famous Distilleries in Serbia - Places Where the Finest Serbian Brandy is Produced

Rakija has been present in the everyday life of our people for centuries, and in a way, it is considered the national drink of the Serbs. There are many producers of this traditional fruit brandy, especially plum brandy, so it is rare to find a household in Serbian villages that doesn't distill its own rakija. However, some have long decided to elevate the traditional rakija production to a higher level by making it according to the most modern technological standards, using the highest quality fruits and medicinal herbs. As a result, distilleries can be found throughout Serbia that offer visitors tours, tastings, education, socializing, and of course, the opportunity to purchase rakija. These are mostly family-owned distilleries, where visitors are always welcomed with open hearts by the hosts. In this article, we highlight some of the most famous distilleries from different regions of Serbia, where top-quality rakija is produced.

Akov Distillery

For those who want to learn about the rakija production process, the best destination is Kraljevo and the Akov Distillery. These producers organize tours every Saturday with an expert guide, or rather a rakija master who answers the questions of curious visitors. Tasting their rakija is an essential part of the tour, so lovers of old Serbian spirits can try plum, quince, apricot, pear, apple, as well as grape and carrot rakija. Of course, all accompanied by appropriate rakija snacks to fully enjoy every sip. When it starts to go down smoothly, it's best to lubricate it with a good bite. This rakija can also be tasted at their shop in Nebojšina Street in Vračar.

Aleksić Prvi

The Aleksić Prvi distillery boasts the best Serbian šljivovica (plum brandy) and is located in the heart of Šumadija. They say that good rakija has always been distilled in the Gruža region, and they have taken this process to its peak in the village of Guberevac, halfway between Kragujevac and Kraljevo. Aleksić Prvi has developed the brand Gružanska zlatna nit, a rakija made from fruits grown in their own plum orchards. The full flavor of this strong drink comes from a combination of seven plum varieties and aging in oak barrels. This distillery also produces dunjevača (quince brandy), viljamovka (pear brandy), and medovina (honey wine), so one should be prepared to taste a glass of each.

Živković Winery

In the village of Malošište near Niš, you will find the Živković rakija cellar, which boasts exceptional products, with their travarica Sante being a standout. Created through double distillation and a combination of 27 medicinal herbs from Stara Planina, Svrljig Mountains, and Rtanj, this brandy will have a beneficial impact on the body and mind. In the Živković cellar, visitors can taste all of their rakijas as well as wines produced by this family-owned distillery. Visitors will enjoy a variety of fruit brandy flavors accompanied by mezze from local rural households, such as seasonal salads, cheese, ajvar, and prosciutto. The hospitable hosts will share a few secrets of good rakija (not all of them) and make the visit to the distillery an unforgettable experience.

Stara Sokolova Rakija

The widely renowned Stara Sokolova rakija comes from the far west of Serbia, from the village of Kostojevići near Bajina Bašta. This brandy has been distilled for centuries and began developing as a brand almost 30 years ago. Since then, it has conquered both domestic and international markets with its traditional alcoholic products. At Stara Sokolova, enthusiasts of strong spirits can try not only plum but also apricot, quince, pear, herbal brandy, and even grape brandy. They also offer walnut brandy, honey brandy, and various other liqueurs, ensuring that all connoisseurs will find their favorite sip from this distillery. Stara Sokolova even produces cooked rakija, which they have bottled and named Vruća, reminding people that in their region, it is consumed like tea.

Kokanović Distillery

Another family-owned distillery is run by the Kokanovićs from Belgrade, who decided to return to their roots in untouched nature and engage in agriculture. Their distillery is located in the village of Slavkovica at the foot of Rajac. The brand they have developed in a short period is Iskrena plum brandy. This five-member family welcomes every guest with open arms and offers their brandy and other fruit products they grow themselves, such as raspberry and blackberry spreads and juice. For those who find themselves in western Serbia, it is highly recommended not to miss Slavkovica and these hosts. In addition to rakija, the Kokanovićs also produce gin, which is also worth a try.

Zarić Brandy

The distillery that can boast of brandy with geographical indication is located in Kosjerić and bears the name Zarić. It used to be the Povlen distillery, and under the fresh name, the new owners have created the brand Kraljica - plum brandy that they export from Serbia. They also offer Nostalgija made from quince, Nirvana from pear, Opsesija from raspberries, and of course, Travaklija with medicinal herbs. The crown jewel of their production is Kralj brandy, produced from the Pruvin type of plum wine. This distillery produces a number of premium and classic brandies, each of them made from fruit grown in Kosjerić yards.

Pruna Distillery

The village of Vuković in eastern Serbia, not far from Golubac, can proudly present a distillery that produces traditional Serbian strong spirits using modern fruit distillation technology. They invite visitors for tastings with prior appointments, and those who visit Pruna will also learn about the history of this distillery, which dates back to 1934. They harvest plums, quinces, cherries, pears, and apricots from their orchards, which were established in 2015, to make their brandy. From their cellars, various types of premium and single barrel brandies, as well as other alcoholic beverages such as gin and wine, can be enjoyed.

Hubert 1924 Distillery

Exceptional brandy is also produced in the far north of our country, in Banatsko Veliko selo, formerly known as Sent Hubert and predominantly inhabited by Germans until 1948. Moreover, today's Hubert distillery is located in the same house where alcoholic beverages were produced nearly a hundred years ago. This kind of tribute that the owners of the distillery paid to their predecessors by preserving its name from oblivion truly adds a special charm to this brand, which is primarily based on the production of high-quality fruit brandies. What also leaves a special impression when it comes to Hubert brandies is their packaging, which creates a feeling that, holding a bottle of brandy, you have a real treasure in your hands.

The competition in the market of premium fruit brandies is truly significant. Side by side with the mentioned ones are also Jezdić, Gorda, Premium, and other brandies, so even an average brandy lover, while reading this text, can feel like a child in a toy store. Serbia's native and natural orchards are responsible for the abundance of good brandy, and almost every mentioned distillery produces thousands of liters of the traditional beverage annually. The production process has been perfected over the years and continues to evolve. They always bring new flavors of fruit brandies combined with other fruits or medicinal herbs. They also pay attention to the bottling and branding of their products, which always look attractive and are gladly given as gifts to loved ones.

We are born with a bottle of brandy, we celebrate religious holidays, birthdays, enter into marriage, and even die with it. That is why this traditional drink deserves all the respect - to explore it and enjoy it with dignity. Distilleries know the best-kept secrets of brandy, so it is worth learning to drink this beverage from them.