Paul Kushner
Plum brandy, also known as slivovitz, is a popular spirit known for its rich and complex flavors. Crafted from the finest plums, this fruit brandy has a long-standing tradition in many cultures and is celebrated for its exceptional quality and taste. With its deep, fruity aroma and smooth, velvety texture, plum brandy has earned a reputation as a top choice among connoisseurs and spirits enthusiasts.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
The best plum brandy is often distinguished by its meticulous production process, which involves careful selection of plums, precise distillation, and aging in oak barrels. The result is a premium spirit with a balance of sweet and tangy notes, making it a versatile and delightful addition to any liquor collection. Whether enjoyed neat, as a digestif, or as a key ingredient in cocktails, these plum brandies offer a sophisticated and pleasurable drinking experience.
Rudolf JelÃnek 10 Year Gold Plum Brandy
A rabbi and a representative of the Jewish Orthodox Union oversee the making of this type of brandy, ensuring the spirit’s kosher designation and distinct flavor. The ten-year aging process produces a golden amber in the spirit. Aging melds the fruitiness of the plum with noticeable oaky undertones. Serve this brandy at room temperature to experience its depth of flavor.
Maraska Plum Brandy
A unique fermentation process while producing this example of the best plum brandy enhances the spirit's flavor. The mash, made from blue plums grown in the Adriatic Hinterland, ferments for three months before aging two years in an oak cask. The resulting brandy has a distinct plum flavor paired with a strong character.
Massenez Mirabelle Plum Brandy
Unlike other brandies, most of which are produced in Central, South, or Eastern Europe, Massenez produces its spirit in France. The brand uses yellow plums, creating a colorless brandy with an intense fruity flavor and aroma. Since this spirit isn’t aged, serving chilled is the preferred method of consumption.
Yebiga "Prva" Rakija Serbian Plum Brandy
Yebiga crafts plum brandy in the Serbia style, using plums from the mountainous region close to Kraljevo. The spirit gets a bright gold color from an 18-month aging process, leaving spicy notes in addition to plum flavor with hints of vanilla. The long finish lingers, highlighting sweet tastes in the brandy with subtle citrus.
Bistra Slivovitz Plum Brandy
At first glance, this plum brandy appears clear but has a delicate golden hue. This unaged Serbian brandy showcases more intense vanilla and almond notes than other varieties. The taste starts mellow but builds to a crisp, refreshing finish. These characteristics mean the spirit should be served chilled or on the rocks.
Flores Plum Brandy Slivovitz Yellow Wasp
Using only the ripest plums from the surrounding region, famous for its produce, this Serbian brand follows old traditions while crafting its brandy. Ripe plums have a high sugar content with fewer tart notes in the rich fruit flavor. Though this brandy has aged, it’s still best served colder than room temperature.
Kraljica Plum Brandy
Another example of the best plum brandy is Kraljica, which stands for queen in English. It comes from Serbia, where the drink serves as a celebratory drink or as an aperitif. Robust fruity notes characterize the aroma and palate of the spirit. Oaky undertones come through and build through the finish. Enjoy this distinctive brandy at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Navip 8 Year Plum Brandy
The eight-year oak barrel aging process imbues this brandy with a brilliant yellow-gold color unlike any other. The Serbian brand uses the Pozegaca plum, known for a combination of robust sweet tones with a sharp tartness. In the brandy, sweet notes are most apparent, with undertones giving the spirit a depth of flavor.
