Imperian Plum Brandy 750ML is a Serbian slivovitz bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) and aged three years in oak barrels. What distinguishes this expression from other plum brandies is a traditional seed-compression technique during production that introduces a notable almond character alongside ripe fruit sweetness. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Brus, Serbia | 3-Year Oak-Aged | Distillery: AS Group (AS Slivovitz) Production & Heritage Imperian Plum Brandy is produced by AS Group, a Serbian distillery based in the town of Brus, a region with a deep tradition of slivovitz production. The brandy undergoes double distillation using a blend of traditional Serbian methods and modern distilling techniques, then matures for three years in oak barrels that round out the spirit and add subtle wood-derived complexity. A defining step in the process involves compressing the plum seeds, which releases oils that contribute a distinctive almondy quality not commonly found in competing slivovitz brands. Tasting Notes Aroma: Ripe plum dominates the nose immediately, followed by softer undertones of vanilla and toasted oak. A faint nuttiness emerges as the spirit opens up in the glass. Taste: The entry is decidedly fruity, with concentrated plum sweetness meeting a balancing thread of natural acidity on the mid-palate. As the spirit develops, vanilla notes from oak aging surface alongside a bittersweet almond character drawn from the compressed plum seeds. The interplay between fruit sweetness and gentle bitterness keeps each sip layered. Finish: Medium-long with lingering warmth. Ripe plum and a trace of almond persist, tapering into a clean, subtly oaky close. How to Drink Imperian Plum Brandy Traditionally, Serbian slivovitz is served neat at room temperature, and Imperian rewards that approach — the three years of oak aging have softened the spirit enough to sip comfortably without dilution. A single ice cube can open up the vanilla notes for those who prefer a cooler serve. For cocktails, the brandy's bittersweet plum-and-almond profile works well in a Slivovitz Sour, where the stone-fruit character plays against fresh lemon juice; a Plum Old Fashioned, substituting bourbon for a fruity Eastern European twist; or a Brandy Highball with chilled soda water and a lemon peel, which lets the plum aromatics shine in a lighter format. Best For Introducing friends to traditional Serbian slivovitz at an accessible proof point After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or dark chocolate Gifting someone who enjoys exploring Eastern European spirits Adding a fruit-forward base spirit to a home cocktail collection Frequently Asked Questions What does Imperian Plum Brandy taste like? It leads with concentrated ripe plum sweetness balanced by natural acidity, then transitions into vanilla and a distinctive bittersweet almond note derived from compressed plum seeds during production. How does Imperian Plum Brandy compare to Navip Slivovitz? Both are Serbian plum brandies rooted in traditional production, but Imperian's seed-compression step gives it a recognizable almond undertone that Navip's more straightforwardly fruity profile lacks. Imperian also carries a stated three-year oak aging period, which adds vanilla and wood complexity. Is Imperian Plum Brandy good for sipping neat? Yes — at 40% ABV with three years of oak maturation, it is smooth enough to drink neat at room temperature, which is the customary way slivovitz is served in Serbia. Where is Imperian Plum Brandy made? It is produced by AS Group (also known as AS Slivovitz) in Brus, a town in southern Serbia within a region long associated with plum brandy production. What foods pair well with Imperian Plum Brandy? Dark chocolate complements the bittersweet almond notes; aged hard cheeses like Serbian kashkaval match the oak-driven vanilla; roasted walnuts echo the nutty seed character; grilled stone-fruit desserts amplify the plum core; and cured meats such as Serbian pršut provide a savory counterpoint to the brandy's sweetness. What sizes does Imperian Plum Brandy come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle. Is Imperian Plum Brandy worth the price? It positions as an accessible, entry-to-mid-level slivovitz that delivers genuine oak-aged complexity and a distinctive almond character — solid value for anyone exploring the plum brandy category without committing to a premium-priced aged expression. Why Imperian Plum Brandy? The compressed plum-seed technique used by AS Group is not standard practice across the slivovitz category, and it gives Imperian a flavor dimension — that bittersweet almond layer — that most competing brands simply do not offer. Three years in oak further separate it from the many unaged or briefly rested plum brandies on the market, adding structure and vanilla warmth that reward neat sipping. Produced in Brus, a Serbian heartland of slivovitz distilling, the brandy carries genuine regional provenance at a price point that makes it a practical entry into Eastern European fruit spirits. For drinkers curious about slivovitz or looking to expand beyond grape-based brandies, Imperian delivers a distinct and well-defined expression of the style.
