{"title":"Excellentia","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"excellentia-slivovitz-1l","title":"Excellentia Slivovitz 1L","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellentia Slivovitz 1L\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Bosnia and Herzegovina  |  Unaged (Inert Tank Matured)  |  Distillery: Navip a.d.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNavip 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Excellentia Slivovitz\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally, 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 \u003cstrong\u003eSlivovitz Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the spirit's natural fruit sweetness balancing citrus and egg white; a \u003cstrong\u003ePlum Collins\u003c\/strong\u003e extends the fresh stone fruit profile with soda and lemon for a refreshing long drink; and an \u003cstrong\u003eEastern Manhattan\u003c\/strong\u003e substitution (replacing bourbon with slivovitz) yields a distinctive, fruit-driven variation on the classic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to traditional Balkan spirits and slivovitz culture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner digestif service alongside seasonal stone fruit desserts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a spirits enthusiast exploring European fruit brandies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a brandy collection that spans beyond grape-based expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Excellentia Slivovitz taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Excellentia Slivovitz compare to Alba Slivovitz?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Excellentia Slivovitz good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Excellentia Slivovitz made?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Excellentia Slivovitz?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Excellentia Slivovitz come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Excellentia Slivovitz worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Excellentia Slivovitz?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Excellentia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836634820777,"sku":"14561","price":25.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/excellentia_plum__51949.jpg?v=1730464699"},{"product_id":"excellentia-slivovitz-750ml","title":"Excellentia Slivovitz 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellentia Slivovitz 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a crystal-clear damson plum brandy bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml format. What distinguishes this expression is its maturation in inert tanks rather than oak barrels, a deliberate choice that preserves the bright, unadorned character of the plum distillate without imparting wood-derived flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Bosnia and Herzegovina  |  Style: Unaged Plum Brandy (Slivovitz)  |  Producer: Navip a.d.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellentia Slivovitz is produced by Navip a.d., a well-established producer in the Balkan brandy tradition. The spirit is made from fermented damson plums and undergoes double distillation in traditional copper pot stills, a method long associated with high-quality slivovitz production across Central and Southeastern Europe. After distillation, the brandy rests in inert (non-reactive) tanks, which keep it colorless and crystal clear while allowing the distillate to settle without introducing tannins, vanilla, or other oak-influenced flavors. This approach prioritizes pure plum expression over barrel complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with a subtle, fresh character of ripe damson plums. As it develops in the glass, the aromatics become more pronounced, revealing well-developed stone fruit with a clean, almost floral lift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate entry is light and approachable, with clear plum flavor that stays true to the fruit. At mid-palate, the spirit shows balance and roundness, with soft fruit sweetness held in check by a gentle mineral dryness. There is no oak influence to compete with the distillate, so the plum notes carry through uninterrupted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and interesting, lingering with ripe plum and a faint earthy quality. It tapers cleanly, leaving behind a pleasant fruit echo rather than heat or bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Excellentia Slivovitz\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally, slivovitz is served neat at room temperature in small tulip-shaped glasses that concentrate the plum aromatics. This is the best way to appreciate the purity of the distillate. For cocktail use, its clean fruit profile and colorless appearance make it a versatile base spirit. A \u003cstrong\u003eSlivovitz Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e highlights the plum brightness against lemon and simple syrup. A \u003cstrong\u003ePalinka Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e — built with sparkling water, a touch of elderflower liqueur, and a lemon twist — makes a refreshing warm-weather serve. A \u003cstrong\u003ePlum Old Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e, substituting slivovitz for whiskey with a dash of Angostura bitters and a sugar cube, showcases how well the fruit character stands up to classic cocktail structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring traditional Balkan spirits for the first time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner digestif service alongside coffee and pastry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting someone who appreciates fruit brandies and eaux-de-vie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding cocktails that call for a clean, fruit-forward base spirit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Excellentia Slivovitz taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellentia Slivovitz delivers a light, balanced palate dominated by ripe damson plum flavor, with a clean mouthfeel and a notably long, fruit-driven finish. It has no oak or wood influence, so the flavor profile stays purely focused on the plum distillate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Excellentia Slivovitz compare to Zaric King Slivovitz?\u003c\/strong\u003e Zaric King Slivovitz tends toward a richer, more robust profile and is often aged in wood, adding layers of vanilla and spice. Excellentia Slivovitz, by contrast, is tank-matured and unaged, resulting in a lighter, more fruit-forward expression that emphasizes pure plum character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Excellentia Slivovitz good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — neat service at room temperature is the traditional and recommended way to drink slivovitz, and the 40% ABV makes Excellentia approachable enough for comfortable sipping without water or ice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Excellentia Slivovitz made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellentia Slivovitz is produced by Navip a.d. in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a region with deep historical roots in plum brandy production stretching back centuries across the Balkans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Excellentia Slivovitz?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged sheep's milk cheese complements the fruit sweetness with salty contrast. Dark chocolate brings out the deeper stone-fruit notes. Grilled lamb or pork benefits from the clean plum flavor as a palate cleanser. Plum or apricot pastries echo and amplify the brandy's core fruit profile. Walnuts and dried figs round out a classic Balkan-style pairing board.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Excellentia Slivovitz come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard available format is the 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Excellentia Slivovitz worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellentia positions as a solid entry-level to mid-range slivovitz, offering genuine copper pot still distillation and pure plum character at a price point accessible to anyone curious about traditional Balkan fruit brandies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Excellentia Slivovitz?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe decision to mature this spirit in inert tanks rather than oak is the defining production choice behind Excellentia Slivovitz, and it separates the bottling from many competitors that rely on barrel aging to build complexity. Here, the copper pot still double distillation does all the heavy lifting, and the result is a transparent window into the quality of the damson plums themselves. For drinkers accustomed to barrel-aged spirits, this is a valuable study in how a well-made fruit brandy can deliver depth through distillation alone. It represents a straightforward, honest expression of one of Europe's oldest brandy traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Excellentia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836974493865,"sku":"24709","price":22.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/excellentia_plum__66743.jpg?v=1730475565"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/excellentia.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}