Kleiner Feigling Vodka 750ML is a fig-infused German spirit bottled at 20% ABV (40 proof), built on a triple-distilled, triple charcoal-filtered vodka base. Produced by Waldemar Behn in Eckernförde, Germany since 1992, Kleiner Feigling — whose name translates to "Little Coward" — has become one of Germany's most recognizable party spirits, distinguished by its use of natural Mediterranean fig flavoring and an unusually smooth character for its category.Quick Facts: ABV: 20% | Origin: Eckernförde, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany | Fig-Infused Vodka Liqueur | Distillery: Waldemar BehnProduction & HeritageWaldemar Behn, a family-owned spirits company headquartered in the northern German coastal town of Eckernförde, launched Kleiner Feigling in 1992. The production process begins with a premium grain vodka base that undergoes triple distillation followed by triple charcoal filtration, stripping away impurities before the infusion stage. Selected Mediterranean figs provide the spirit's defining flavor, yielding a lighter-bodied product at 20% ABV that sits firmly in liqueur territory despite the vodka classification. The result is a spirit with remarkably little harsh alcohol bite — a key reason it became a cultural phenomenon in Germany's nightlife scene.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with ripe, jammy fig followed by delicate floral accents and a soft citrus lift. There is very little alcohol heat on the nose, making it inviting and approachable.Taste: On the palate, sweet fig arrives immediately, balanced by a light fruit acidity reminiscent of pear and green apple. The mouthfeel is smooth and medium-bodied, carrying subtle floral undertones through the mid-palate without becoming cloying.Finish: The finish is surprisingly long for a 20% ABV spirit, tapering gently with lingering fig sweetness and a clean, lightly tangy close. No harsh burn or artificial aftertaste remains.How to Drink Kleiner FeiglingThe traditional German serve is ice-cold as a straight shot — many drinkers freeze the bottle beforehand for maximum smoothness. In Germany, a beloved ritual involves tapping the cap, inverting the bottle, tapping it on the table to create bubbles, then drinking in one go. Beyond the classic shot, Kleiner Feigling works in several cocktails: a Fig Mule, where the fig sweetness pairs naturally with ginger beer and lime; a Feigling Spritz, topped with prosecco and a splash of soda for a light, effervescent aperitif; and a Fig Collins, shaken with lemon juice and simple syrup over ice, where the fig infusion replaces the need for additional fruit liqueurs.Best For House parties, game nights, and social gatherings where communal shots set the tone Introducing friends to flavored spirits who find straight vodka too aggressive Building low-ABV cocktails that deliver flavor without heavy alcohol content Themed tastings exploring German spirits beyond schnapps and Korn Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Kleiner Feigling taste like? Kleiner Feigling delivers a prominent ripe fig sweetness balanced by light pear-like acidity and subtle floral notes, with almost no perceptible alcohol burn. The overall profile is smooth, fruity, and clean.How does Kleiner Feigling compare to Berentzen Maracuja? Both are German fruit-flavored liqueurs at similar ABV levels, but Kleiner Feigling uses Mediterranean fig for a subtler, less tropical flavor profile, while Berentzen Maracuja leans into bold passion fruit sweetness. Kleiner Feigling's triple-filtered vodka base tends to produce a cleaner, less syrupy mouthfeel.Is Kleiner Feigling good for shots? Kleiner Feigling is purpose-built for shots — at 20% ABV with natural fig flavor and minimal alcohol harshness, it is one of the most popular shot spirits in Germany and pairs well with group drinking rituals.Where is Kleiner Feigling made? Kleiner Feigling is produced by Waldemar Behn in Eckernförde, a town on the Baltic Sea coast in the Schleswig-Holstein region of northern Germany. The distillery has been making spirits at this location since well before Feigling's 1992 debut.What foods pair well with Kleiner Feigling? Soft, creamy cheeses like brie complement the fig sweetness. Dark chocolate or chocolate truffles mirror the fruit's natural richness. Prosciutto-wrapped figs create a savory echo of the spirit's core flavor. Almond biscotti and marzipan desserts align well with the floral undertones.What sizes does Kleiner Feigling come in? Kleiner Feigling is widely available in 750ml bottles as well as its iconic 20ml mini bottles, often sold in multi-packs of 12 or more for party use. A 500ml size is also common in European markets.Is Kleiner Feigling worth the price? Kleiner Feigling positions as an accessible, entry-level flavored spirit. Its lower ABV, unique fig flavor, and cultural ritual appeal deliver solid value for social occasions, particularly when compared to higher-priced craft liqueurs.Why Kleiner Feigling?What separates Kleiner Feigling from the crowded field of flavored vodkas and liqueurs is its singular commitment to fig — a flavor rarely seen in the mainstream spirits aisle. The triple-distillation and triple charcoal-filtration process yields a base spirit clean enough to let the Mediterranean fig infusion speak clearly, without the artificial or overly sweet taste common in many competitors. Since 1992, it has earned genuine cultural status in Germany, complete with its own drinking ritual, making it one of the few flavored spirits that carries authentic heritage rather than manufactured marketing buzz. For anyone seeking a smooth, sociable, and genuinely distinctive flavored spirit, Kleiner Feigling remains a category original.
