Zaric Kraljica Slivovitz 750ML

Zaric Kraljica Slivovitz 750ML is a 7-year oak-aged Serbian plum brandy bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) from Destilerija Zaric in Kosjeric, Central Serbia. Distinguished as the only Serbian rakija carrying a Protected Geographical Indication, Kraljica — Serbian for "Queen" — earned a Silver medal at the 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards.

Quick Facts: ABV: 42% (84 proof)  |  Origin: Kosjeric, Central Serbia  |  Aged 7 Years in Oak  |  Distillery: Destilerija Zaric

Production & Heritage

Destilerija Zaric operates in the Kosjeric region of Central Serbia, an area with a long tradition of plum cultivation and rakija production. Kraljica is made exclusively from three heritage plum varieties — Požegača, Ranka, and Trnovača — and undergoes double distillation, a process known in Serbian as prepečenica, which concentrates fruit character and refines the spirit. The distillate then rests for seven years in oak barrels, developing complexity well beyond that of younger slivovitz expressions. Its Protected Geographical Indication status certifies both provenance and adherence to traditional production methods, making it unique among Serbian rakijas.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with transparent amber hues giving way to rich, intense plum aromas. Beneath the fruit, layers of vanilla and gentle oak emerge, suggesting the depth imparted by seven years of barrel aging.

Taste: On the palate, dried plum dominates the entry, supported by vanilla and subtle oak at the mid-palate. The body is full and harmonious, with fruit flavors threading through every stage — a balance often compared to fine cognac or aged malt whisky in its structure and complexity.

Finish: The finish is notably long, with oak tannins providing texture and a low, smoky burn that lingers well after the sip. Plum and vanilla remain present through the close, reinforcing the brandy's layered character.

How to Drink Kraljica Slivovitz

Given its seven years of oak aging, Kraljica is best appreciated neat at room temperature or with a single ice cube to gradually open the aromatics. For those interested in cocktails, this expression brings unexpected depth to several classics. A Slivovitz Sour lets the dried plum character balance lemon and egg white beautifully. A Plum Old Fashioned — substituting Kraljica for bourbon — plays the oak and vanilla notes against bitters and a sugar cube. A Balkan Sidecar with orange liqueur and fresh lemon showcases the brandy's cognac-like body in a citrus-forward format.

Best For

• Gifting a brandy or spirits enthusiast who appreciates aged, artisanal expressions
• After-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or stone-fruit desserts
• Introducing friends to premium slivovitz and Serbian rakija traditions
• Building a world spirits collection with a geographically protected bottle

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kraljica Slivovitz taste like? Kraljica Slivovitz delivers a full-bodied profile led by dried plum, vanilla, and subtle oak, with a long smoky finish. The seven-year oak aging gives it a smoothness and structure often likened to fine cognac.

How does Kraljica Slivovitz compare to Navip Slivovitz? Navip Slivovitz is bottled at a higher 50% ABV and tends toward a heavier body with more pronounced sweetness. Zaric Kraljica, at 42% ABV with seven years of oak aging, delivers a cleaner, more fruit-forward and refined profile at a more approachable proof.

Is Kraljica Slivovitz good for sipping neat? Yes — its seven years of oak maturation and 42% ABV make it one of the more approachable and complex sipping slivovitz expressions available, rewarding slow, contemplative tasting.

Where is Kraljica Slivovitz made? Kraljica Slivovitz is produced by Destilerija Zaric in the town of Kosjeric in Central Serbia, a region historically known for plum orchards and traditional rakija distillation.

What foods pair well with Kraljica Slivovitz? Dark chocolate complements the vanilla and oak undertones. Dried figs and walnuts mirror the brandy's dried-fruit character. Aged hard cheeses such as Parmesan stand up to its full body. Smoked meats like prosciutto echo the subtle smokiness on the finish. Plum tart or strudel creates a natural stone-fruit harmony.

What sizes does Kraljica Slivovitz come in? Zaric Kraljica Slivovitz is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Kraljica Slivovitz worth the price? Kraljica positions as a premium aged slivovitz, justified by its seven-year oak maturation, use of three heritage plum varieties, Protected Geographical Indication status, and a Silver medal from the 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards — offering considerable depth for its category tier.

Why Kraljica Slivovitz?

What sets Kraljica apart is its status as the only Serbian rakija with a Protected Geographical Indication — a formal certification of both regional origin and traditional production standards that no other Serbian rakija holds. The use of three specific heritage plum varieties (Požegača, Ranka, and Trnovača) gives it a more complex fruit base than single-variety slivovitz expressions. Seven years in oak is a substantial maturation period for plum brandy, delivering a layered, brandy-like sophistication recognized by the 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards. For drinkers exploring aged fruit brandies beyond the familiar French and Italian traditions, Kraljica represents serious Serbian distilling at its most polished.