Imperian Quince Brandy 750ML

Imperian Quince Brandy 750ML 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 41% (82 Proof)  |  Origin: Brus, Serbia  |  Style: Quince Fruit Brandy (Dunjevača)  |  Producer: AS Group (Imperian)

Production & Heritage

Imperian 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Imperian Quince Brandy

Traditionally 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 Quince Sidecar benefits from the brandy's tartness replacing cognac for a Balkan twist; a Brandy Sour pairs the fruit's natural acidity with fresh lemon and simple syrup for a clean, sessionable drink; and a Quince Old Fashioned lets the almond and vanilla undertones shine against a dash of aromatic bitters and an orange peel.

Best For

• Introducing friends to the tradition of Serbian fruit brandy (rakija)
• After-dinner digestif following a rich autumn or winter meal
• Gifting to a spirits enthusiast who collects fruit brandies
• Expanding a home bar with an award-winning Eastern European spirit

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Imperian Quince Brandy taste like? 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.

How does Imperian Quince Brandy compare to Zaric Nostalgija Quince Brandy? 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.

Is Imperian Quince Brandy good for sipping neat? 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.

Where is Imperian Quince Brandy made? 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.

What foods pair well with Imperian Quince Brandy? 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.

What sizes does Imperian Quince Brandy come in? The standard widely available format is the 750ml bottle.

Is Imperian Quince Brandy worth the price? 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.

Why Imperian Quince Brandy?

The 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.