Passover Slivovitz 12 Year 70%

Passover Slivovitz 12 Year 70% is a 70% ABV (140 proof) Polish plum brandy aged 12 years in oak barrels, available in a 750ml bottle. Distilled from Hungarian plums at Polmos Bielsko-Biala S.A. in Poland, this expression carries full kosher-for-Passover certification — making it one of the few high-proof, long-aged slivovitz options permitted during the Passover holidays, when grain-based spirits are forbidden.

Quick Facts: ABV: 70% (140 proof)  |  Origin: Poland  |  Age: 12 Years  |  Distillery: Polmos Bielsko-Biala S.A.

Production & Heritage

Polmos Bielsko-Biala S.A., based in southern Poland, produces this slivovitz from a natural fruit spirit distilled entirely from high-quality Hungarian plums. The distillate undergoes a long-term aging process in oak barrels spanning 12 years, which distinguishes this expression from younger, sharper versions in the range. Because it is a pure fruit spirit with no grain involvement at any stage of production, the brandy qualifies as kosher for Passover under strict rabbinical supervision.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Intense ripe plum dominates from the first pour, followed by underlying woody warmth drawn from over a decade in oak. Despite the formidable 70% ABV, the aromatic profile leans toward concentrated fruit rather than raw spirit heat.

Taste: The entry is bold and unmistakably plum-forward, with the natural sweetness of Hungarian plums giving way to drier, oak-influenced tones at mid-palate. Woody depth and a faint tannic structure emerge as the spirit opens up, balanced by the persistent fruitiness of the base distillate. The high proof delivers substantial weight without masking the fruit character.

Finish: Long and warming, with dried plum and subtle oak tannin lingering well after each sip. The 12 years of barrel contact contribute a softened alcoholic sensation that belies the spirit's considerable strength.

How to Drink Passover Slivovitz

Given its 70% ABV and concentrated flavor, a small measure served neat in a tulip glass at room temperature allows the oak-aged plum character to fully express itself; a few drops of water can help tame the proof and unlock additional aromatic layers. For cocktail applications, this slivovitz's intensity makes it a powerful base spirit: try it in a Slivovitz Sour (replacing whiskey with the plum brandy for a stone-fruit twist on the classic sour template), a Plum Old Fashioned (where the 12-year oak character pairs naturally with bitters and a touch of sugar), or a Šljivovica Smash (muddled fresh herbs and citrus temper the high proof while amplifying the fruit notes).

Best For

• Passover Seder tables requiring a certified kosher-for-Passover spirit
• Collectors seeking rare high-proof, long-aged fruit brandies
• After-dinner digestif service among spirits enthusiasts
• Gifting during the Jewish holidays as a traditional yet premium option

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Passover Slivovitz taste like? It delivers intense, natural plum flavor supported by woody, oak-barrel depth from 12 years of aging. Despite its 70% ABV, the spirit presents a surprisingly softened alcoholic sensation with concentrated dried-plum sweetness.

How does Passover Slivovitz compare to R. Jelinek Silver Label Kosher Slivovitz? R. Jelinek Silver Label is also kosher for Passover and plum-based, but it is bottled at a lower proof and described as having a smoother, slightly almond-tinged profile. Passover Slivovitz 12 Year, at 70% ABV with 12 years of oak aging, is a significantly bolder, more oak-influenced expression intended for sippers who want maximum intensity.

Is Passover Slivovitz good for sipping neat? Yes, though its 140 proof demands respect — pouring a small measure and optionally adding a few drops of water allows the complex plum and oak notes to emerge without overwhelming the palate.

Where is Passover Slivovitz made? It is distilled and aged at the Polmos Bielsko-Biala S.A. facility in Poland, using Hungarian plums as the sole fruit source and oak barrels for its 12-year maturation.

What foods pair well with Passover Slivovitz? Dark chocolate truffles complement the dried-plum sweetness; aged hard cheeses echo the oak tannins; roasted duck with plum glaze mirrors the spirit's core fruit character; honey cake (a Passover staple) bridges the brandy's warmth and sweetness; and toasted walnuts provide a textural contrast that highlights the woody finish.

What sizes does Passover Slivovitz come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this expression.

Is Passover Slivovitz worth the price? As a 12-year-aged, 70% ABV kosher-for-Passover plum brandy, it occupies a niche premium tier with very few direct competitors at this age and proof, which positions it as a specialty purchase rather than an everyday sipper.

Why Passover Slivovitz?

The combination of a 12-year oak aging program, 70% ABV bottling strength, and strict kosher-for-Passover certification puts this expression in an extremely narrow category — few slivovitz producers offer all three attributes in a single bottle. The extended barrel maturation rounds what could be an aggressive spirit into something with genuine depth, where plum fruit and oak tannin have had over a decade to integrate. For observers of Passover dietary laws, this remains one of the most robust, traditionally made fruit-brandy options available. Its high proof also makes it remarkably versatile as a cocktail backbone during the holiday season, stretching further per bottle than lower-proof alternatives.