Imperian Plum 750ML Decanter

Imperian Plum 750ML Decanter 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Serbia  |  Style: Plum Brandy (Slivovitz)  |  Distillery: AS Group d.o.o. (AS Slivovitz)

Production & Heritage

Imperian 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Imperian Plum

Neat 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 Slivovitz Sour (substituting plum brandy for whiskey) benefits from the natural fruit sweetness reducing the need for added sugar; a Plum Old Fashioned leans into the vanilla and almond notes with a dash of Angostura bitters; and a Brandy Highball with quality tonic or ginger ale makes a refreshing long drink that showcases the ripe plum character.

Best For

• Introducing friends to Eastern European slivovitz traditions
• After-dinner digestif service alongside dessert
• Gifting — the decanter bottle makes a strong visual impression
• Building a brandy collection beyond French and Spanish expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Imperian Plum taste like? 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.

How does Imperian Plum compare to Bistra Slivovitz Plum Brandy? 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.

Is Imperian Plum good for sipping neat? 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.

Where is Imperian Plum made? 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.

What foods pair well with Imperian Plum? 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.

What sizes does Imperian Plum come in? The standard offering is the 750ml decanter bottle.

Is Imperian Plum worth the price? 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.

Why Imperian Plum?

The 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.