Stara Sokolova Slivovitz 750ML

Stara Sokolova Slivovitz 750ML is a traditional Serbian plum brandy (šljivovica) bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml bottle. A five-time gold medalist at the Novi Sad Fair, this expression represents nearly two centuries of family distilling heritage rooted in western Serbia's plum-rich Drina river valley.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Western Serbia  |  Style: Plum Brandy (Šljivovica)  |  Distillery: Bogdanović Family Distillery, Kostojevići

Production & Heritage

The Bogdanović family has operated their distillery in the village of Kostojevići near Bajina Bašta, along the Drina river in western Serbia, for close to two centuries. Their reputation was built on the trnovača plum variety — a traditional Serbian cultivar prized for its suitability in brandy production — though today the distillery works with a blend of traditional and modern plum varieties. The fruit is handpicked at peak ripeness and distilled using time-honored methods that have earned the family the Radoslav-Rade Paunović Award for best rakija in the Distillery category, one of Serbia's most respected recognitions in the craft.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh ripe plum leads immediately, followed by delicate almond blossom and aromatic vanilla. Deeper in the glass, earthy orange blossom emerges, adding complexity to a nose that stays firmly fruit-forward.

Taste: The entry is juicy and plum-driven, with the fruit arriving bright and vibrant on the palate. Mid-palate introduces soft spice and a smooth vanilla sweetness that balances the natural tartness of the plum. A subtle floral quality — reminiscent of the orange blossom found on the nose — threads through to the peak, adding depth without competing with the fruit.

Finish: Clean, warming, and elegant. The ripe plum character lingers alongside gentle earthy undertones, fading gradually without bitterness or harshness.

How to Drink Stara Sokolova

In Serbia, slivovitz is traditionally served neat at room temperature, and Stara Sokolova rewards that approach — a small tulip-shaped glass concentrates the aromatic plum and blossom notes beautifully. For those who prefer a slightly cooler serve, a single ice cube softens the spirit without drowning its character. This slivovitz also performs well in cocktails: try it in a Slivovitz Sour, where the plum's natural acidity pairs seamlessly with fresh lemon and egg white; a Plum Old Fashioned, substituting bourbon for a fruit-forward twist on the classic; or a Serbian Spritz, lengthened with sparkling water and a strip of orange peel to highlight those blossom notes.

Best For

• Introducing friends to authentic Balkan spirits and rakija culture
• Gifting someone with Serbian or Eastern European heritage
• After-dinner digestif service alongside desserts or cheese
• Exploring fruit brandies beyond the Alsatian and German traditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stara Sokolova taste like? Stara Sokolova delivers bright, juicy ripe plum flavor supported by smooth vanilla, soft spice, and earthy orange blossom undertones. The finish is clean and warming with no rough edges.

How does Stara Sokolova compare to Navip Šljivovica? Both are regarded as quality Serbian slivovitz brands, but Stara Sokolova draws on the Bogdanović family's nearly two-century tradition and a specific heritage in the trnovača plum variety. Navip operates at a larger commercial scale, while Stara Sokolova is positioned as a more artisanal, family-produced expression.

Is Stara Sokolova good for sipping neat? Absolutely — sipping neat at room temperature is the traditional and recommended way to enjoy Serbian slivovitz. The 40% ABV makes it approachable, and the clean plum aromatics are best appreciated without dilution.

Where is Stara Sokolova made? Stara Sokolova is produced by the Bogdanović family distillery in the village of Kostojevići, near the town of Bajina Bašta in western Serbia. The region sits along the Drina river, an area long known for its high-quality plum orchards.

What foods pair well with Stara Sokolova? Aged sheep's milk cheese (such as Serbian kajmak or a sharp pecorino) complements the fruit and earthiness well. Walnuts and dried figs echo the brandy's natural sweetness. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage highlights the vanilla and spice notes. Traditional Serbian cured meats like pršuta provide a savory contrast that balances the plum's brightness.

What sizes does Stara Sokolova come in? The standard widely available size is the 750ml bottle.

Is Stara Sokolova worth the price? Stara Sokolova positions as a premium artisanal slivovitz within its category, backed by multiple gold medals and nearly 200 years of family production. For the quality and heritage it represents, it sits at a strong value point compared to similarly awarded European fruit brandies.

Why Stara Sokolova?

Five gold medals at the Novi Sad Fair and the prestigious Radoslav-Rade Paunović Award for best rakija in the Distillery category give Stara Sokolova credentials that few Serbian slivovitz brands can match. The Bogdanović family's connection to the trnovača plum — cultivated along the Drina river valley for generations — provides a genuinely traceable link between terroir and glass. At 40% ABV, the brandy is balanced enough for newcomers to fruit spirits while retaining the aromatic complexity that experienced rakija drinkers look for. In a category where industrial production has diluted many once-respected names, Stara Sokolova remains a family-scale operation with nearly two centuries of distilling knowledge behind every bottle.