Excellentia Slivovitz 1L is a crystal-clear, unaged plum brandy bottled at 40% ABV in a one-liter format. Produced by Navip a.d., this expression represents a deliberate exercise in transparency — matured exclusively in inert tanks rather than oak, it relies entirely on distillation quality and raw plum character, with nothing to mask or enhance the spirit beyond what the fruit itself delivers. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Bosnia and Herzegovina | Unaged (Inert Tank Matured) | Distillery: Navip a.d. Production & Heritage Navip a.d. produces Excellentia Slivovitz from fermented Damson and regional plum varieties native to the Balkans, where slivovitz has been a cornerstone spirit for centuries. The distillate bypasses oak aging entirely, instead maturing in inert tanks that preserve the spirit's colorless clarity and unadulterated plum profile. This approach demands exceptional distiller skill, as the producer themselves note: a colourless slivovitz "cannot hide beyond its barrel" or "be enriched by oak — it is naked in front of you and honest." The result is a brandy judged purely on the quality of its fruit and the precision of its distillation. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with a subtle, well-developed fragrance of fresh plums that unfolds gradually. Ripe stone fruit dominates, presenting clean and direct without any barrel-derived interference. Taste: On entry, the palate is light and approachable, quickly revealing a balanced, well-rounded body at mid-palate. Pronounced flavors of ripe plum carry through with a soft fullness, maintaining an honest fruit-forward character throughout. Finish: The finish is notably long and interesting, with plum flavors persisting well beyond the final sip. There is a pleasant, clean fade that invites another taste without residual heaviness. How to Drink Excellentia Slivovitz Traditionally, slivovitz is served neat at room temperature or slightly chilled, which is the ideal way to experience the pure plum distillate character Excellentia is built around. A small tulip glass or grappa glass concentrates the aromatics effectively. Beyond the traditional serve, this brandy also works in cocktails: a Slivovitz Sour benefits from the spirit's natural fruit sweetness balancing citrus and egg white; a Plum Collins extends the fresh stone fruit profile with soda and lemon for a refreshing long drink; and an Eastern Manhattan substitution (replacing bourbon with slivovitz) yields a distinctive, fruit-driven variation on the classic. Best For Introducing someone to traditional Balkan spirits and slivovitz culture After-dinner digestif service alongside seasonal stone fruit desserts Gifting to a spirits enthusiast exploring European fruit brandies Building a brandy collection that spans beyond grape-based expressions Frequently Asked Questions What does Excellentia Slivovitz taste like? Excellentia Slivovitz presents clean, pronounced flavors of ripe plum with a soft, balanced body and a notably long finish. It is crystal clear with no oak influence, so the fruit character stands entirely on its own. How does Excellentia Slivovitz compare to Alba Slivovitz? Alba Slivovitz is described by Navip as the successor or "younger sister" to Excellentia, crafted along similar lines but positioned as a more accessible expression. Excellentia is the flagship, emphasizing the distiller's highest level of craft in unaged plum brandy production. Is Excellentia Slivovitz good for sipping neat? Neat is the traditional and recommended way to drink quality slivovitz, and Excellentia's balanced, well-rounded palate and long finish are specifically designed for this purpose. The inert tank maturation ensures the spirit is clean enough to be enjoyed without dilution. Where is Excellentia Slivovitz made? Excellentia Slivovitz is produced by Navip a.d. in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a region with deep historical roots in plum cultivation and slivovitz distillation stretching back centuries. What foods pair well with Excellentia Slivovitz? Plum-based pastries and strudels mirror the spirit's core fruit character. Aged hard cheeses like Pag or Manchego contrast the brandy's fruitiness with savory, crystalline texture. Dark chocolate with 70%+ cacao complements the stone fruit notes. Cured meats such as pršut (Balkan dry-cured ham) match well with the spirit's clean intensity. Walnuts and dried figs provide a traditional Balkan accompaniment. What sizes does Excellentia Slivovitz come in? Excellentia Slivovitz is available in a 1-liter (1L) bottle, which provides additional volume compared to the standard 750ml format common in the spirits market. Is Excellentia Slivovitz worth the price? Excellentia positions as a premium slivovitz within Navip's range, sitting above their Alba expression as the distillery's top-tier unaged plum brandy. The 1-liter format adds value, and the spirit's quality reflects the higher degree of skill required to produce an honest, unaged fruit brandy. Why Excellentia Slivovitz? What distinguishes Excellentia from the broader slivovitz category is its uncompromising commitment to unaged purity. Where many fruit brandies — and even some slivovitz expressions — rely on oak aging to add complexity and smooth rough edges, Excellentia matures only in inert tanks, meaning every aspect of the finished spirit traces directly back to the quality of the plums and the distiller's technique. This production philosophy requires considerable skill and leaves no room for error. For drinkers seeking an authentic, transparent expression of Balkan plum distillation, Excellentia represents the category at its most honest and unadorned — a spirit that earns respect through restraint rather than embellishment.
