Bistra Slivovitz (75cl, 50%)

Bistra is a Serbian slivovitz, a plum brandy double-distilled from ripe Serbian plums. Slivovitz is the national drink of Serbia, and the name comes from the Slavic word for plum. The plums are crushed, the pits separated, and the mash fermented with regional yeasts before distilling. The spirit then matures for three years in large oak casks of up to 5,000 litres, followed by further time in stainless steel. Its almond note comes from amygdalin in the plum seeds, and the colour is golden. The nose is ripe plum with a gentle almond lift. On the palate there is vibrant plum fruit, vanilla and almond, with a fiery start that mellows into a smooth, clean finish.