R. Jelinek 10 Yr (Gold) Kosher Slivovitz
R. Jelinek 10 Yr (Gold) Kosher Slivovitz is the flagship of the aged slivovitz line — 100 proof (50% ABV), aged a full decade in French oak, triple-distilled from the best assortment of late-harvested plums. Produced by RUDOLF JELINEK in Vizovice, Czech Republic under the supervision of an Orthodox Union representative, it is a typically Czech product made in the same traditional way for more than a hundred years. Ten years in oak give it its gold color, an aroma close to cognac, and a harmonious fruity flavor with a distinctive woody undertone. It scored 90 points at the 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards. Order online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- Aging: 10 years in French (Limousin) oak — gold style
- Kosher: Produced under Orthodox Union supervision
- Style: Triple-distilled plum brandy; hand-harvested late plums
- Origin: Vizovice, Czech Republic; RUDOLF JELINEK, established 1894
- Recognition: 90 points, 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards
A Decade Toward Cognac Character
The 10-year gold is where slivovitz leaves fruit brandy behind and approaches the great aged spirits: the producer itself notes an aroma close to cognac after a decade in oak. Only hand-harvested plums go into the still, and the ripe plum mash is triple-distilled before its long rest under controlled conditions. Browse more brandy and the R. Jelinek collection.
Tasting Notes
Deep gold. The nose opens with ripe plum layered over oak, vanilla, and dried fruit — reviewers compare the aromatic profile to cognac. The palate is gentle despite the proof: harmonious plum fruit, a distinctive woody undertone, and a long, warming finish.
How to Enjoy
Serve neat at room temperature in a brandy snifter to catch the decade of oak development. This is a contemplative pour — treat it like fine cognac, not a shooter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between gold and clear slivovitz?
Clear (silver) slivovitz is unaged or rested without oak contact; gold slivovitz ages in oak barrels, gaining color, wood spice, and vanilla. This 10-year expression is the longest-aged in Jelinek's line.
Why does aged slivovitz taste like cognac?
Long French-oak aging gives any fruit brandy cognac-like qualities — vanilla, dried fruit, and wood spice. After ten years, the plum character sits inside a distinctly cognac-style frame.
How long is slivovitz aged?
Most gold slivovitz ages 3–7 years; this flagship expression ages a full ten years in oak — exceptional for the category.
A decade in the making — order R. Jelinek 10 Yr (Gold) Kosher Slivovitz online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.