Bistra Slivovitz Plum Brandy
Bistra Slivovitz Plum Brandy is a 50% ABV (100 proof), 750mL sljivovica — Serbia's traditional plum brandy — double distilled and rested about three years in large oak casks before finishing in stainless steel. Full-strength and unapologetic, it is the Balkan classic in its home-country form. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 50% (100 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Slivovitz (sljivovica) — Serbian plum brandy
- Production: Double distilled; about 3 years in large oak casks (up to 5,000L), then stainless steel (importer sell sheet)
- Origin: Serbia
Serbia's Plum Brandy at Full Strength
Sljivovica is more than a drink in Serbia — it is the national brandy, distilled from plums for centuries and poured at every table that matters. Bistra is a traditional take with nothing held back: double distilled to a full 100 proof, then given years in large oak casks — vessels big enough, up to 5,000 litres, to round the spirit without burying the plum — and a final rest in stainless steel before bottling. Browse our spirits shelves or see the brand on the Bistra vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Per the importer: ripe plum, vanilla and acacia honey. Palate: Full plum fruit at full strength, with the almond-kernel edge that plum pits give the style (per retailer producer copy). Finish: Long, warm and dry — at 100 proof, slivovitz is not a shy pour.
How to Enjoy
Serve it the Serbian way: a small glass, neat, at cool room temperature, sipped slowly — often alongside cured meats, cheese and grilled food. A splash of water opens the plum and honey if the proof runs hot for your palate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is slivovitz? Slivovitz (sljivovica) is plum brandy — a fruit brandy distilled from fermented plums, traditional across the Balkans and Serbia's national spirit. Bistra's bottling is double distilled and oak-rested, at a full 50% ABV.
Why is Bistra stronger than most plum brandies? It is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV), verified on the importer's sell sheet and the Virginia ABC listing — the traditional full-strength Serbian style, not the lighter proof many export bottlings use.
How do you drink slivovitz? Neat, in a small glass, sipped — traditionally with food, especially cured meats, cheeses and grilled dishes.
The Balkan classic at full strength — order Bistra Slivovitz Plum Brandy from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.