Navip Slivovitz 700ML

Navip Slivovitz 700ML is a Serbian plum brandy distilled from Požegača plums and aged in oak barrels, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 700ml format. This traditional Eastern European spirit draws its character from one of Serbia's most prized plum varieties, long regarded as the benchmark fruit for authentic slivovitz production.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Serbia  |  Oak-Aged Plum Brandy  |  Producer: Navip

Production & Heritage

Navip is a well-established Serbian producer with deep roots in the country's brandy-making tradition. Their slivovitz begins with Požegača plums — a juice-rich variety native to the Balkans — which are fermented into a plum wine (or "komina") before distillation. The resulting spirit is then matured in oak barrels, a step that softens the raw distillate and introduces the warm vanilla and almond undertones characteristic of aged slivovitz. Serbia's plum brandy heritage stretches back centuries, and Navip's production reflects that lineage in a commercially accessible form.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with concentrated ripe plum, moving into dried stone fruit and a subtle layer of toasted almond. Oak influence adds a gentle vanillin sweetness underneath the fruit-forward aromatics.

Taste: The palate entry is soft and rounded, with rich plum sweetness that avoids cloying territory. At mid-palate, baked fruit flavors deepen, joined by warm vanilla and a light spice from the oak maturation. The texture carries moderate weight with a pleasant fruitiness throughout.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering almond and dried plum notes. A gentle warmth persists, leaving behind a clean fruit impression with just a whisper of oak tannin.

How to Drink Navip Slivovitz

In Serbia and throughout the Balkans, slivovitz is traditionally served neat at room temperature, often as a welcoming toast before a meal. A small tulip-shaped glass concentrates the aromatics and lets the plum character shine. For cocktail applications, the brandy's fruit depth works well in a Slivovitz Sour, where lemon juice and simple syrup frame the plum notes beautifully; a Plum Old Fashioned, substituting slivovitz for bourbon to create a fruit-driven riff on the classic; and a Balkan Sidecar, pairing the brandy with orange liqueur and citrus for a spirit-forward after-dinner drink.

Best For

• Exploring Eastern European brandy traditions beyond the familiar grape-based eaux-de-vie
• Serving as a traditional digestif or aperitif at dinner gatherings
• Gifting to a spirits enthusiast interested in fruit brandies and world spirits
• Building cocktails that call for stone-fruit depth without added sweetness

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Navip Slivovitz taste like? Navip Slivovitz delivers a rich, rounded plum flavor with supporting notes of vanilla, toasted almond, and gentle oak spice from barrel aging. The profile is fruit-forward yet balanced, with moderate warmth at 40% ABV.

How does Navip Slivovitz compare to Zaric King Slivovitz? Both are Serbian-produced plum brandies, but Navip tends toward a richer, denser style with pronounced oak-aged warmth and vanilla undertones. Zaric King Slivovitz is generally noted for brighter, more lifted plum aromatics and a lighter body on the palate.

Is Navip Slivovitz good for sipping neat? Yes — neat service is the most traditional and arguably the best way to experience slivovitz, and Navip's oak-aged softness and rounded fruit character make it approachable for straight sipping at 40% ABV.

Where is Navip Slivovitz made? Navip Slivovitz is produced in Serbia, a country with one of the world's deepest traditions of plum brandy distillation. The spirit is crafted from Požegača plums, a variety native to the Serbian and broader Balkan region.

What foods pair well with Navip Slivovitz? Aged hard cheeses like Pecorino or Manchego complement the brandy's fruit richness; dark chocolate amplifies the almond and vanilla notes; grilled lamb or roasted pork echo the spirit's savory depth; dried figs or apricots mirror its stone-fruit character; and walnut-studded pastries create a harmonious Balkan-inspired pairing.

What sizes does Navip Slivovitz come in? The standard widely available format is the 700ml bottle, which is the expression covered here.

Is Navip Slivovitz worth the price? Navip Slivovitz positions as an accessible, entry-level expression within the oak-aged slivovitz category, making it a solid value for those seeking an authentic Serbian plum brandy without stepping into premium or limited-release pricing tiers.

Why Navip Slivovitz?

What distinguishes this expression is its reliance on Požegača plums, widely considered the gold-standard variety for slivovitz production due to their exceptionally high sugar content and aromatic intensity. The oak barrel maturation adds layers that many entry-level fruit brandies lack, giving the spirit a complexity that bridges casual sipping and serious contemplation. For drinkers accustomed to grape brandies or American fruit spirits, Navip Slivovitz offers a direct connection to a centuries-old Balkan distilling tradition in an approachable, well-structured package. It remains one of the more widely distributed Serbian slivovitz expressions available internationally, making it a reliable starting point for the category.