R. Jelinek Silver Slivovitz 700ML

R. Jelinek Silver Slivovitz 700ML is a triple-distilled Czech plum brandy bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 700ml format. Produced by the R. Jelinek Distillery—operating in Vizovice since 1894—this expression is certified Kosher for Passover and stands as one of the most widely recognized slivovitz labels in the world.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Vizovice, Bohemia, Czech Republic  |  Unaged Plum Brandy  |  Distillery: R. Jelinek (est. 1894)

Production & Heritage

Founded in 1894 in Vizovice—a town nestled in the heart of Bohemia's prime plum-growing country—R. Jelinek has produced slivovitz using the same traditional methods for well over a century. The Silver expression is triple distilled from carefully selected, well-matured plums, then bottled unaged to showcase the fruit's clean, unadulterated character. Its Kosher for Passover certification demands an additional layer of production rigor, as every step from fermentation to bottling must pass strict rabbinical supervision.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh, ripe plum leads the nose with a gently floral quality. Beneath the fruit sits a faint almond-like nuttiness, a hallmark of stone-fruit distillates that hints at the plum's pit.

Taste: The entry is clean and fruit-forward, with natural plum sweetness arriving immediately. At mid-palate a subtle tartness emerges, keeping the spirit lively and balanced. The triple distillation delivers a notably polished, smooth texture that rounds out the fruit tones.

Finish: Medium in length with a dry, crisp exit. Lingering almond and gentle plum-skin notes fade at an unhurried pace.

How to Drink Silver Slivovitz

Tradition calls for serving Silver Slivovitz well chilled and neat in a small stemmed glass—the standard across Czech and Central European tables. A splash of cold water can open up the floral aromatics for those who prefer a lighter approach.

In cocktails, try a Slivovitz Sour, where the plum's natural tartness harmonizes with fresh lemon and simple syrup. A Plum Mule swaps vodka for slivovitz, letting ginger beer amplify the fruit. Or mix a Bohemian Old Fashioned, replacing whiskey with Silver Slivovitz to create a fruit-driven riff on the classic.

Best For

• Introducing friends and guests to Central European fruit brandies
• Passover celebrations requiring certified kosher spirits
• Serving as a post-dinner digestif alongside stone-fruit desserts
• Building a home bar with diverse, distinctive spirit categories

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Silver Slivovitz taste like? It delivers clean, ripe plum fruit balanced by a subtle tartness, with a smooth body and a slightly almond-like finish that reflects its stone-fruit origin and triple distillation.

How does Silver Slivovitz compare to R. Jelinek Gold Slivovitz? Silver Slivovitz is bottled unaged and crystal clear, prioritizing bright, fresh plum character and a crisp finish. The Gold expression carries deeper color and a richer, more rounded profile associated with additional maturation, making it a heavier sipper by comparison.

Is Silver Slivovitz good for cocktails? Its clean distillation and pronounced plum flavor translate well into mixed drinks, particularly sours, mules, and spirit-forward classics where the fruit character can remain distinct against other ingredients.

Where is Silver Slivovitz made? It is distilled at the R. Jelinek Distillery in Vizovice, a town in the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic known for its abundant plum orchards and long tradition of slivovitz production.

What foods pair well with Silver Slivovitz? Plum-based pastries and dumplings are a natural match, echoing the spirit's core fruit. Dark chocolate works well, as its bitterness complements the almond undertone. Roast duck or pork loin with stone-fruit glaze bridges savory and sweet. Aged hard cheeses like Gruyère benefit from the spirit's clean acidity, and almond-flour cakes mirror the nutty finish.

What sizes does Silver Slivovitz come in? The standard format widely available is the 700ml bottle; a 1-liter format also exists in certain markets.

Is Silver Slivovitz worth the price? Silver Slivovitz positions as a solidly mid-range plum brandy that delivers genuine triple-distilled quality and Kosher for Passover certification, placing it above entry-level fruit brandies while remaining accessible for regular enjoyment.

Why Silver Slivovitz?

R. Jelinek has been distilling plums in the same Bohemian town for over 130 years, and the Silver expression distills that heritage into its most direct form—triple distilled, unaged, and entirely focused on the fruit. The Kosher for Passover certification is not merely a label; it subjects every production run to exacting rabbinical oversight that adds a measurable layer of quality control. Among widely distributed slivovitz brands, few match Silver's combination of pedigree, clean distillation character, and versatility in both traditional European service and modern cocktail use. It remains a definitive starting point for anyone serious about understanding what plum brandy can be.