Badel Slivovica 700ML is a Croatian plum brandy (šljivovica) bottled at 40% ABV and produced by Badel 1862 in Zagreb, Croatia. Scored 90 points by the Rakija Review Panel, this expression showcases the deep tradition of Slavonian oak–aged rakija from one of Croatia's oldest spirits houses. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Zagreb, Croatia | Aged minimum 12 months in Slavonian Oak | Distillery: Badel 1862 d.d. Production & Heritage Badel 1862 d.d., headquartered in Zagreb, traces its origins to the mid-nineteenth century and remains one of Croatia's most recognized producers of traditional spirits. Badel Slivovica is distilled from ripe blue plums using traditional rakija distillation methods. The fresh plum distillate first rests in new barrels before transferring to large, traditional Slavonian oak casks where it ages for a minimum of twelve months — a maturation style that encourages slow oxidation and imparts subtle vanilla notes, a slightly bitter bouquet, and the spirit's characteristic amber hue. Tasting Notes Aroma: Bright, ripe plum leads the nose, followed by a distinct marzipan sweetness and light floral accents. Dry spice and a faint woody undertone develop as the spirit opens up in the glass. Taste: The entry is bold and fruity, with dried plum dominating the palate. At mid-palate, earthy tones and cracked black pepper emerge, joined by a bitter almond quality that adds complexity. The overall impression is robust yet balanced, never overwhelmingly sweet. Finish: Long and warming, with lingering stone fruit and a herbaceous rakija character that lingers well after the final sip. A subtle vanilla sweetness from the Slavonian oak rounds out the close. How to Drink Badel Slivovica Traditionally served neat at room temperature in a small tulip glass, which concentrates the plum aromatics. A single ice cube can tame the spirit's warmth without dulling the fruit character. For cocktails, try a Slivovica Sour — the dried plum and almond notes stand up beautifully to fresh lemon and simple syrup. A Plum Old Fashioned substitutes bourbon with slivovica, letting the stone fruit and oak tannins carry the drink. In a Rakija Highball with chilled tonic and a sprig of rosemary, the herbaceous finish of this brandy shines. Best For Introducing friends to authentic Croatian rakija culture Digestif service after a hearty European-style dinner Gifting someone exploring Eastern European spirits Building a brandy collection beyond French and American expressions Frequently Asked Questions What does Badel Slivovica taste like? Badel Slivovica delivers a bold, earthy plum brandy profile with prominent dried plum, bitter almond, and cracked pepper notes, supported by subtle oak-derived vanilla from Slavonian cask aging. How does Badel Slivovica compare to Maraska Sljivovica? Both are Croatian plum brandies made from ripe blue plums, but Maraska sources its fruit from the Adriatic Hinterland and tends toward a brighter, more fruit-forward style. Badel Slivovica leans earthier and spicier, with more pronounced oak influence from its minimum twelve-month Slavonian oak maturation. Is Badel Slivovica good for sipping neat? Yes — neat service at room temperature is the traditional and recommended way to drink šljivovica in Croatia, and Badel Slivovica's 40% ABV makes it approachable enough for first-time rakija drinkers while still full-flavored. Where is Badel Slivovica made? Badel Slivovica is produced by Badel 1862 d.d. in Zagreb, Croatia, one of the country's most established spirits companies with roots dating to the nineteenth century. What foods pair well with Badel Slivovica? Aged hard cheeses such as Pag cheese complement the brandy's earthy depth. Grilled lamb or ćevapi match its peppery warmth. Dark chocolate highlights the bitter almond and dried plum notes. Dried figs and walnuts mirror the stone fruit character, while cured meats like kulen (Croatian spicy sausage) stand up to the spirit's bold flavor. What sizes does Badel Slivovica come in? The standard widely available size is the 700ml bottle, which is the most common format for this expression in international markets. Is Badel Slivovica worth the price? Badel Slivovica positions as a solid entry-level to mid-range šljivovica that delivers genuine oak-aged character and authentic Croatian production at a very accessible price point within the plum brandy category, making it strong value for those exploring rakija. Why Badel Slivovica? What separates Badel Slivovica from generic plum brandies is its deliberate two-stage aging — first in new wood, then in large-format Slavonian oak barrels — a process that gives it more textural complexity than most competitors at this price tier. The 90-point score from the Rakija Review Panel confirms its standing among well-made traditional šljivovice. Backed by over 160 years of distilling heritage through Badel 1862, this is not a novelty import but a staple of Croatian spirits culture exported in its authentic form. For drinkers looking to move beyond mainstream grape brandies, it represents one of the most accessible and rewarding entry points into the world of Eastern European stone-fruit distillates.
