Zwack 3 Year Slivovitz Kosher 750ML

Zwack 3 Year Slivovitz Kosher 750ML is a kosher-certified Hungarian plum brandy distilled from Damson plums and aged three years, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof). What distinguishes this slivovitz from much of the category is the sheer concentration of fruit — Zwack states that 6.5 kg of fresh plums go into every single bottle, yielding a remarkably fruit-forward spirit for its proof.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Budapest, Hungary  |  Age: 3 Years  |  Distillery: Zwack

Production & Heritage

The Zwack family has been producing spirits in Hungary since 1790, with the company best known internationally for its iconic Unicum herbal liqueur. Slivovitz — a traditional Central and Eastern European plum brandy — represents another pillar of Hungarian distilling heritage, and Zwack's version is distilled exclusively from Damson plums, a small, tart variety prized for its intensity. After distillation, the spirit rests for a full three years before bottling, allowing the raw plum distillate to mellow and develop complexity. The kosher certification adds an additional layer of production oversight, ensuring compliance throughout fermentation, distillation, and aging.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with a light, clean plum fragrance layered with peppery spice. Beneath the fruit, subtle floral undertones emerge as the spirit breathes in the glass.

Taste: The entry is bold and full-bodied, immediately delivering ripe Damson plum flavor. At mid-palate, hints of dark cherry surface alongside a warming spice that spreads across the tongue. The texture is surprisingly silky for a 40% ABV spirit, carrying the fruit flavors with real density and vibrancy.

Finish: The finish is hefty and persistent, with lingering plum skin and a faint peppery warmth. That concentrated fruit character — a product of the 6.5 kg plum-per-bottle ratio — stays present well after the final sip.

How to Drink Zwack Slivovitz

Traditionally, slivovitz is served neat at room temperature or slightly chilled, and the three years of aging on this expression reward that approach with a smooth, fruit-rich sip. A single large ice cube can tame the spice for warm-weather drinking. For cocktails, try it in a Slivovitz Sour — the tart plum character pairs naturally with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. A Plum Old Fashioned substituting this brandy for bourbon highlights its fruit depth against bitters and a sugar cube. It also works well in a Palinka Spritz, lengthened with sparkling wine and a twist of lemon peel for a lighter Central European aperitif.

Best For

• Exploring Central European fruit brandy traditions beyond mainstream spirits
• Serving at Passover seders or kosher gatherings requiring certified spirits
• Gifting to someone who appreciates aged fruit brandies and lesser-known categories
• After-dinner sipping alongside stone fruit desserts or dark chocolate

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Zwack Slivovitz taste like? Zwack Slivovitz delivers bold, ripe Damson plum flavor with hints of dark cherry and black pepper spice, carried by a silky, full-bodied texture. The three years of aging smooth the raw distillate into a surprisingly refined sip with a long, hefty finish.

How does Zwack Slivovitz compare to unaged slivovitz? Unaged slivovitz tends to be sharper and more fiery, with raw plum intensity that can overwhelm the palate. Zwack's three-year resting period mellows those aggressive edges, adding silkiness and a more integrated spice character while preserving the core Damson plum flavor.

Is Zwack Slivovitz good for sipping neat? Yes — neat service is the traditional way to drink slivovitz in Hungary and across Central Europe, and the three-year aging on this expression gives it enough smoothness and complexity to reward slow, contemplative sipping.

Where is Zwack Slivovitz made? Zwack Slivovitz is produced by the Zwack distillery in Budapest, Hungary, a family-founded company dating back to 1790 that is one of Hungary's most established spirits producers.

What foods pair well with Zwack Slivovitz? Plum tarts and stone fruit desserts mirror the brandy's core fruit character. Dark chocolate complements its spicy warmth. Aged hard cheeses like Gruyère contrast the sweetness with savory depth. Roast duck with a plum glaze creates a natural bridge between plate and glass. Poppy seed pastries, a Central European staple, echo the spirit's regional roots.

What sizes does Zwack Slivovitz come in? The standard and most widely available size is the 750ml bottle.

Is Zwack Slivovitz worth the price? Zwack Slivovitz positions as a moderately priced aged fruit brandy — accessible enough for everyday enjoyment while offering genuine three-year aging and kosher certification that justify its place above entry-level unaged competitors in the category.

Why Zwack Slivovitz?

The 6.5 kg of Damson plums required for each 750ml bottle is a striking production commitment that translates directly into the glass as concentrated, unmistakable fruit character. Three years of aging is uncommon at this price tier for slivovitz, where many expressions reach the market unaged or with minimal resting. Backed by Zwack's more than two centuries of Hungarian distilling expertise, this kosher-certified expression serves a specific and underserved niche — drinkers seeking an authentic, aged plum brandy with verifiable production standards. In a category that can feel opaque to newcomers, Zwack delivers transparency and tradition in equal measure.