Kumova Traditional

Crystal clear and uncompromising. No oak, no colour, nothing between you and the grape. Fresh grape and white orchard fruit on the nose, green apple, a delicate floral edge. Pure grape on the palate with a touch of almond over a crisp backbone, and a long warming finish.

Drink it neat at room temperature, or well chilled. A few ice cubes soften the alcohol without losing the character. Use a small rakija glass and give it a moment.

It pairs with smoked and cured meats, pickled vegetables, sauerkraut, aged sheep's cheese, grilled vegetables, olives and fresh country bread. This is the rakija for a table of small plates rather than a glass on its own.

This is the sharp, clear end of the Kumova range, and Reserve is the other end. Traditional rests in stainless steel rather than oak, which is what protects the clarity and keeps the attention on the grape. Distilled with fine lees on the winery's heritage copper rectification column, a method borrowed from Armagnac, then given minimal filtration and cold stabilisation.

Lozova rakija, grape brandy.