Zaric Opsesija Raspberry Brandy 750ML is a redistilled Serbian raspberry brandy bottled at 40% ABV, produced by Destilerija Zaric in Kosjeric, Central Serbia. Scoring 92 points from Falstaff in their 2024 Spirits Special and earning a Gold medal at the 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards, Opsesija stands among the most decorated raspberry brandies available today. The name "Opsesija" — Serbian for "Obsession" — hints at the meticulous, fruit-intensive process behind every bottle.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Kosjeric, Central Serbia | Style: Redistilled Raspberry Brandy | Distillery: Destilerija ZaricProduction & HeritageDestilerija Zaric operates in Kosjeric, a town in the mountainous heart of Central Serbia long recognized for premium raspberry cultivation. The distillery uses an extraordinary twenty kilograms of carefully selected local raspberries to produce just one litre of Opsesija — a fruit-to-spirit ratio that dwarfs most commercial fruit brandies and concentrates intense natural flavor into every drop. The spirit undergoes redistillation, a second pass through the still that refines the distillate while preserving the aromatic intensity of the fresh fruit. Only 100% locally grown raspberry varieties are used, and the result earned the Champion title for best brandy in Serbia in 2012, an early marker of the quality Zaric continues to deliver.Tasting NotesAroma: Ripe raspberry dominates immediately, flowing fragrantly from the glass with a full yet gentle presence. Underneath, the bouquet unfolds as rich and harmonious, with subtle seed-like undertones adding complexity.Taste: The entry is strong and expressive, with tart, concentrated raspberry fruit hitting the palate head-on. At mid-palate, the raspberry seeds introduce a slightly nutty component that balances the tartness, while a fine natural sweetness emerges to round out the fruit intensity. The overall impression is impressively fruity without veering into cloying territory.Finish: Medium-long and decidedly fruity, the raspberry character persists cleanly through the fade. A lingering seed-driven nuttiness and gentle warmth provide textural depth as the finish closes.How to Drink OpsesijaThe primary serve is neat at room temperature, which allows the concentrated raspberry aromatics to express fully; a small amount of water can open up the nutty seed notes further. Opsesija also brings serious depth to cocktails. In a Bramble, it replaces or supplements the crème de mûre layer with authentic redistilled raspberry character. A French Martini gains real fruit complexity when Opsesija stands in for standard flavored spirits alongside pineapple juice and Chambord. For a simple Raspberry Sour, combine with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup — the brandy's natural tartness creates a balanced, layered drink that artificial raspberry liqueurs cannot replicate.Best For Gifting a spirits enthusiast who appreciates rare European fruit brandies After-dinner digestif service following rich desserts or cheese courses Expanding a home bar beyond mainstream whiskey and vodka categories Blind tasting events comparing artisan fruit brandies against commercial alternatives Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Opsesija taste like? Opsesija delivers an intense, tart ripe raspberry flavor with a slightly nutty character from the raspberry seeds and a fine natural sweetness. The profile is expressively fruity with a medium-long, clean finish.How does Opsesija compare to Clear Creek Raspberry Brandy? Both are traditionally made raspberry brandies using high-quality fruit, but Opsesija requires twenty kilograms of raspberries per litre, reflecting an exceptionally concentrated fruit-to-spirit ratio. Clear Creek, produced in Oregon, follows European eau-de-vie methods, while Opsesija is redistilled in Serbia and carries multiple international awards including a Falstaff 92-point score.Is Opsesija good for sipping neat? Yes — the redistillation process produces a refined, smooth spirit at 40% ABV that showcases concentrated raspberry flavor best when served neat or with a few drops of water.Where is Opsesija made? Opsesija is produced by Destilerija Zaric in Kosjeric, a town in Central Serbia known for its high-quality raspberry cultivation. The distillery sources 100% locally grown raspberries for this expression.What foods pair well with Opsesija? Dark chocolate truffles complement the raspberry fruit and nutty seed notes. Aged sheep's milk cheese like Pecorino provides a savory contrast to the brandy's tartness. Fresh berry tarts echo and extend the fruit character. Panna cotta or crème brûlée offers a creamy, neutral backdrop that lets the raspberry shine. Duck liver pâté with berry compote bridges savory and fruity elements effectively.What sizes does Opsesija come in? Zaric Opsesija Raspberry Brandy is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.Is Opsesija worth the price? Opsesija positions as a premium artisan fruit brandy, justified by its 20-kilogram-per-litre fruit ratio, redistillation process, and consistent international recognition including a Falstaff 92-point rating and multiple competition medals.Why Opsesija?The single most striking fact about this brandy is the sheer volume of fruit behind it — twenty kilograms of hand-selected Serbian raspberries concentrated into every litre. That ratio is exceptional in the fruit brandy category and directly responsible for the intense, authentic raspberry character that earned Opsesija 92 points from Falstaff and Gold at the 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards. Additional recognition at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (Silver) and the Champion title for best brandy in Serbia in 2012 confirm sustained quality across vintages. For anyone seeking a raspberry brandy built on real fruit intensity rather than artificial flavoring, Opsesija represents a benchmark expression from one of Serbia's most dedicated distilleries.
