{"title":"Imperian","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"imperian-plum-brandy-750ml","title":"Imperian Plum Brandy 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImperian Plum Brandy 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Brus, Serbia  |  3-Year Oak-Aged  |  Distillery: AS Group (AS Slivovitz)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImperian 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.\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 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long with lingering warmth. Ripe plum and a trace of almond persist, tapering into a clean, subtly oaky close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Imperian Plum Brandy\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally, 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 \u003cstrong\u003eSlivovitz Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the stone-fruit character plays against fresh lemon juice; a \u003cstrong\u003ePlum Old Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e, substituting bourbon for a fruity Eastern European twist; or a \u003cstrong\u003eBrandy Highball\u003c\/strong\u003e with chilled soda water and a lemon peel, which lets the plum aromatics shine in a lighter format.\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 friends to traditional Serbian slivovitz at an accessible proof point\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner sipping alongside dessert or dark chocolate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting someone who enjoys exploring Eastern European spirits\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a fruit-forward base spirit to a home cocktail collection\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 Imperian Plum Brandy taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Imperian Plum Brandy compare to Navip Slivovitz?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Imperian Plum Brandy good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Imperian Plum Brandy made?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Imperian Plum Brandy?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Imperian Plum Brandy come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard offering is a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Imperian Plum Brandy worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Imperian Plum Brandy?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Imperian","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836651368617,"sku":"13449","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/imperian_plum_brandy__92369.jpg?v=1730465149"},{"product_id":"imperian-plum-750ml-decanter","title":"Imperian Plum 750ML Decanter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImperian Plum 750ML Decanter\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 40% ABV Serbian plum brandy (slivovitz) presented in a distinctive 750ml decanter bottle. What separates this expression from the crowded slivovitz field is a production step involving the compression of plum seeds, which contributes a pronounced almond character rarely found at this level in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Serbia  |  Style: Plum Brandy (Slivovitz)  |  Distillery: AS Group d.o.o. (AS Slivovitz)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImperian Plum is produced by AS Group d.o.o., a Serbian producer operating under the AS Slivovitz label. The brandy undergoes double distillation in traditional copper pot stills, a method that concentrates fruit character while stripping out harsher congeners. The defining production detail is the compression of plum seeds during the process — a technique that extracts the kernel's natural oils and imparts the brandy's signature almond-like flavor, setting it apart from slivovitz expressions that rely solely on the fruit's flesh for flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe plum dominates on the nose, followed by a subtle marzipan-like sweetness drawn from those compressed seeds. A faint warmth rounds out the bouquet, hinting at the copper pot still distillation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is fruit-forward with the unmistakable essence of ripe plums, carrying a balanced interplay of natural sweetness and gentle acidity. At mid-palate, the distinctive almond note emerges alongside soft vanilla tones, giving the brandy more complexity than a typical single-note slivovitz. The texture is notably smooth for a 40% ABV spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm and lingering, with ripe plum and almond fading gradually. The sweetness never cloys, held in check by a clean, dry tail that invites another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Imperian Plum\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeat at room temperature is the traditional Serbian approach and arguably the best way to appreciate the almond-plum interplay; a single ice cube can open the aromatics further without diluting the fruit. This slivovitz also works well in cocktails: a \u003cstrong\u003eSlivovitz Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e (substituting plum brandy for whiskey) benefits from the natural fruit sweetness reducing the need for added sugar; a \u003cstrong\u003ePlum Old Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e leans into the vanilla and almond notes with a dash of Angostura bitters; and a \u003cstrong\u003eBrandy Highball\u003c\/strong\u003e with quality tonic or ginger ale makes a refreshing long drink that showcases the ripe plum character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing friends to Eastern European slivovitz traditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner digestif service alongside dessert\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting — the decanter bottle makes a strong visual impression\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a brandy collection beyond French and Spanish expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Imperian Plum taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Imperian Plum delivers ripe plum fruit balanced by a distinctive almond note derived from compressed plum seeds, with undertones of vanilla and a warm, smooth finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Imperian Plum compare to Bistra Slivovitz Plum Brandy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Serbian plum brandies at a similar price tier, but Imperian Plum distinguishes itself through the compressed plum seed technique that adds an almond dimension absent in most standard slivovitz. Bistra tends toward a more straightforwardly fruity profile without that kernel-derived complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Imperian Plum good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the smooth double-distilled character and balanced sweetness-to-acidity ratio make it well-suited for neat drinking, which is also the traditional way slivovitz is consumed in Serbia.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Imperian Plum made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Imperian Plum is produced in Serbia by AS Group d.o.o., operating under the AS Slivovitz name. Serbia is one of the historic heartlands of slivovitz production, where plum brandy holds deep cultural significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Imperian Plum?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark chocolate truffles complement the almond and vanilla notes; aged hard cheeses like Manchego or Serbian Pirotski kačkavalj match its intensity; roasted walnuts echo the nutty seed character; dried stone fruits reinforce the plum backbone; and rich pork dishes work well as the brandy's acidity cuts through fat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Imperian Plum come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard offering is the 750ml decanter bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Imperian Plum worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Imperian Plum positions in the affordable-to-mid range for plum brandy, and the decanter presentation along with the distinctive compressed-seed production method delivers more character and visual appeal than many competitors at this tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Imperian Plum?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe compressed plum seed technique is the real differentiator here — it introduces an almond layer that most slivovitz simply does not have, giving the spirit a dimension closer to an Italian amaretto-style complexity while remaining firmly rooted in Serbian plum brandy tradition. Double distillation in copper pot stills further refines the spirit, producing a smoother, more polished result than many single-distilled alternatives. The decanter bottle also elevates it beyond a utilitarian pour, making it as much a conversation piece on a bar cart as it is a drinking spirit. For anyone looking to explore slivovitz beyond the basics, Imperian Plum is a compelling entry point with genuine production substance behind its presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Imperian","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836651401385,"sku":"15555","price":39.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/imperian_plum_slivovitz__18860.jpg?v=1730465154"},{"product_id":"imperian-quince-brandy-750ml","title":"Imperian Quince Brandy 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImperian Quince Brandy 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a double-distilled Serbian fruit brandy made from hand-picked quince, bottled at 41% ABV (82 proof) in a 750ml format. This expression earned the Golden Plaque at the International Fair in Ljubljana, underscoring its standing among Eastern European fruit brandies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 41% (82 Proof)  |  Origin: Brus, Serbia  |  Style: Quince Fruit Brandy (Dunjevača)  |  Producer: AS Group (Imperian)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImperian is produced by AS Group, based in the village of Brus in central Serbia — a region known for clean air, fertile soil, and pristine water sources. The quince fruit is hand-selected at full ripeness and undergoes controlled fermentation before a special double-distillation process designed to preserve the delicate aromatics of fresh quince. This careful approach distinguishes Imperian from single-distilled quince rakijas, yielding a spirit with greater clarity and aromatic precision while retaining the fruit's essential character.\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 ripe, fragrant quince — honeyed and floral — followed by a distinct almond-like sweetness. A soft undercurrent of vanilla rounds out the aromatics, giving the spirit an inviting complexity before the first sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, the palate meets bright quince fruit with a gentle tartness that echoes fresh-cut quince. The mid-palate develops into almond and light vanilla, lending a smooth, slightly creamy texture. At its peak, the fruit and nutty elements merge into a cohesive, warming body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is medium in length, clean, and gently drying with lingering quince aromatics and a trace of marzipan. A subtle tartness carries through, keeping the spirit lively and balanced rather than overly sweet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Imperian Quince Brandy\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally served neat at room temperature in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the quince aromatics — this is how most Serbian brandy enthusiasts approach dunjevača. A single ice cube can open up the vanilla notes for those who prefer a cooler serve. For cocktail use: a \u003cstrong\u003eQuince Sidecar\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the brandy's tartness replacing cognac for a Balkan twist; a \u003cstrong\u003eBrandy Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e pairs the fruit's natural acidity with fresh lemon and simple syrup for a clean, sessionable drink; and a \u003cstrong\u003eQuince Old Fashioned\u003c\/strong\u003e lets the almond and vanilla undertones shine against a dash of aromatic bitters and an orange peel.\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 friends to the tradition of Serbian fruit brandy (rakija)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter-dinner digestif following a rich autumn or winter meal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a spirits enthusiast who collects fruit brandies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpanding a home bar with an award-winning Eastern European 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 Imperian Quince Brandy taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers bright, aromatic quince fruit up front, followed by distinctive almond and vanilla notes, finishing clean with a gentle tartness. The overall profile is smooth, fruit-forward, and moderately dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Imperian Quince Brandy compare to Zaric Nostalgija Quince Brandy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Serbian quince brandies (dunjevača), but Imperian emphasizes a double-distillation process aimed at preserving aromatic purity, while Zaric Nostalgija is positioned as a premium artisanal expression with a focus on nostalgia-driven branding. Imperian's Golden Plaque from the Ljubljana International Fair provides an internationally recognized quality benchmark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Imperian Quince Brandy good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — neat service at room temperature is the traditional and recommended way to drink Serbian quince brandy, allowing the full aromatic spectrum of quince, almond, and vanilla to come through. Its 41% ABV is approachable enough for comfortable sipping without water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Imperian Quince Brandy made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by AS Group in the village of Brus, located in central Serbia. The region is noted for its clean environment and high-quality fruit, and the quince is sourced from orchards near the distillery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Imperian Quince Brandy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged hard cheeses like Parmesan or Manchego complement the almond and fruit notes. Roasted pork or lamb — traditional Serbian fare — mirrors the brandy's warming character. Baklava and other honey-nut pastries echo the marzipan finish. Dried fruits and nuts make a simple but effective pairing. Quince paste (membrillo) alongside charcuterie creates a direct aromatic bridge to the spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Imperian Quince Brandy come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard widely available format is the 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Imperian Quince Brandy worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Imperian positions itself as a solid mid-range quince brandy with an internationally recognized award, making it a strong value within the Serbian fruit brandy category. For drinkers exploring dunjevača for the first time, it represents a well-made, double-distilled entry point without the premium price of limited-production artisan rakija.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Imperian Quince Brandy?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe double-distillation method is the defining feature here — many quince brandies in the Serbian market undergo only a single distillation, which can leave heavier, less refined fruit character in the final spirit. Imperian's approach strips away harshness while concentrating the aromatic qualities that make quince brandy distinctive. The Golden Plaque from the Ljubljana International Fair validates this production philosophy against a competitive field of Balkan fruit spirits. For anyone building knowledge of Eastern European fruit brandies or simply looking for a well-made quince expression, this bottling delivers authenticity backed by verifiable craft and recognition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Imperian","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836651466921,"sku":"19104","price":37.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/imperian.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}