Top 6 European Plum Brandies

Tucked away in the hamlet fittingly named Rakija, at the foot of the Gledić Mountains, this small family-run distillery embodies authenticity and deep respect for tradition. For generations, the Đusić family has passed down the art of making true plum rakija, relying on native Serbian varieties like Crvena ranka and Požegača, grown on their own land with patience, purity, and a strong bond with nature. "Rakija iz Rakije" is more than just a name—it’s a way of life, where each drop carries the essence of the land, time, and hands that shaped it.

This rakija has earned recognition far beyond Serbia’s borders: it is part of the international Slow Food movement, and their Crvena ranka has been listed among the 500 most authentic products in the world. In every sip, you can taste the silence of the countryside, the ripeness of the fruit, and the warmth of true hospitality. Rakija iz Rakije is not mass-produced, not rushed—it is honest, timeless, and crafted for those who recognize true value in simplicity.Expand

Podrum Palić is a modern distillery that blends more than a century of tradition with contemporary production standards, located in the fruit-growing region of Palić on mineral-rich soil once covered by the Pannonian Sea. Following a complete reconstruction, the distillery now operates within an 11,000 m² facility equipped with controlled fermentation areas, cold storage, and oak-barrel cellars for aging.

Their products rely on fruit sourced from their own orchards, ensuring full traceability and consistent quality. The flagship line is Baraba, a range of premium fruit brandies that has earned multiple international awards, complemented by a grape-based vinjak aged in French oak, the Sinner gin, and herbal liqueurs such as Amaro Botanic Garden and Gorshtak.

The house style emphasizes clean fruit expression, technical precision, and maturation that adds depth and complexity. Podrum Palić is today regarded as one of the leading distillate producers in the region, a reputation strengthened by significant global accolades.Expand

Podrum Pevac is a family-owned distillery and winery dedicated to crafting high-quality beverages with passion and precision. Blending heritage with modern techniques, every product that carries the Pevac name reflects a careful balance of tradition and innovation. What sets Podrum Pevac apart is their attention to every detail—from their own orchards and vineyards, to sophisticated distillation and aging in oak barrels, all the way to thoughtfully designed labels.

Their plum brandies, vinjaks, herbal spirits, liqueurs, wines, and craft beers are all created with the intention of capturing nature, time, knowledge, and love in every bottle. Whether you choose the elegant Desetka—a 10-year-aged plum brandy—the comforting warmth of Debeljko liqueur, or the fresh fruitiness of their wines, Podrum Pevac offers an authentic taste of craftsmanship at its finest. Through awards, international presence, and a loyal following, they continue to prove what their customers already know—Pevac is a name that stands for quality.Expand

The producer of Jelički Dukat rakija is the family-owned estate PP “Pridvorica”, run by the Prodanović family from the village of Pridvorica, nestled on the eastern slopes of Mount Jelica near Čačak. The family’s distilling tradition dates back to the 18th century, and today, their knowledge and dedication are reflected in every detail—from the cultivation of plums to the final drop of rakija. This long and meticulous aging process gives the rakija its rich flavor and aroma, a distinctive golden-amber color, and a refined, noble character.

Production takes place in the family’s own cellars under strict quality control, and numerous awards—including gold medals and Champion of Quality titles at the Novi Sad Fair—attest to the high standards Jelički Dukat consistently upholds. Jelički Dukat is more than just rakija—it's a true expression of family heritage, love for the land, and respect for traditional values.Expand

Slavonian plum brandy is the most popular drink in eastern Croatia. It is distilled from locally grown fresh and ripe plums such as Bistrica, which have been cultivated in the region for centuries. This clear drink can range from light yellow to amber in color, depending on whether it is aged in Slavonian oak. It is characterized by harmonious aromas of plums and a long finish, while its alcohol content may range from 37.5 to 42.5%. Slavonian šljivovica is not merely a drink, it is deeply integrated into Slavonian tradition, and no special event or gathering is complete without a shot of well-chilled šljivovica. Traditionally, this plum brandy was served in small-sized bottles called čokanjčići.Expand

Šljivovica, internationally known as slivovitz, is a clear, potent drink that is distilled from fermented plums. It is produced throughout Central and Eastern Europe—namely Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Poland, and Romania. Depending on tradition and the desired taste profile, šljivovica can be distilled once or multiple times, and it benefits from aging in oak which can significantly improve its flavor, color, and aroma. The drink has a long tradition in each region where it is produced, and although it was mainly associated with home production, nowadays there are multiple regional brands available on the market. Regardless of the varieties, šljivovica is always enjoyed neat, preferably served well-chilled in a shot glass. In 2007, various Slavic states reached an agreement with European Union which allowed each country to name their version and protect it under the desired name.Expand

Szilvapálinka is a traditional plum brandy from Hungary, and this Szatmári version is one of the esteemed protected varieties. It is made from Penyigei and Besztercei plums, which have to make up at least 80% of the base. All the plums used in the production of this brandy have to come from the region, and the entire process (mashing, fermentation, distillation, maturation) has to take place in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County. The resulting drink is clear and colorless, though some versions often attain a distinctive yellow or amber hue during maturation. The flavor and the aroma are reminiscent of plums. All plum brandies coming from the region have to be rested and oak-aged. During distillation, producers sometimes add stones that are left from the fruit—this gives the brandy a distinctive flavor profile. This szilvapálinka has a long tradition that dates from the 18th century. It has a minimum of 40% ABV.Expand

Damassine is a Swiss plum brandy that is traditionally produced in the Canton of Jura. It is distilled from fermented damson (damassine) plums. These small red plums are cultivated across Europe, but their origin still remains unclear. The brandy is clear and colorless, with a strong cherry aroma and subtle herbaceous and almond notes. Damassine holds a protected AOP (PDO) status, and the entire production must take place in the designated area. When distilled, the brandy can only be mixed with regional water to reach the desired 40% ABV. It has to be aged for a minimum of six months. This potent and aromatic brandy is served at room temperature, and it is best enjoyed as a digestif. Expand

As the name suggests, this eau-de-vie (fruit brandy) hails from Lorraine, and it is made from Mirabelle plums that are cultivated in the region. This fruit brandy has been granted the AOC status, and its production is strictly regulated and restricted to the Lorraine region. It can be made with Metz and Nancy varieties. The plums are fermented, and the mash is usually double-distilled to get a clean and pure spirit that preserves the original flavor of the plums. Mirabelle eau-de-vie is a clear spirit with distinctive Mirabelle aromas and hints of warm spices. It is usually enjoyed neat as a digestif, but it also incorporates well in desserts and sauces. It has an alcohol content of 43% ABV. Expand

Nagykunsági szilvapálinka is a plum brandy from Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok. It has to be made from the plums grown in the region, and a minimum of 40 % has to be made from Vörös and/or Besztercei plums. The entire production has to take place in the designated region. The brandy is rested and aged in barrels. It comes in three versions. The first is a standard version that is clear and colorless, dominated by a plum aroma, which is often complemented by spicy and floral nuances. It may have subtle jammy or marzipan-like notes. Érlelt is the matured version that can range from pale to golden yellow. It displays a similar profile, with more prominent spicy notes reminiscent of sweet, warming spices such as vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon. The third version is matured on a bed of fruit (gyümölcságyon érlelt or ágyas). It ranges from straw to golden yellow, with fruity notes and hints of spices, smoke aroma, and jam. Nagykunsági szilvapálinka has a protected (PDO) status. Favorable climate conditions produce plums with ideal aromas and sugar content, which give the brandy its distinctive notes reminiscent of marzipan and jam. It needs to have a minimum of 40% ABV.Expand