Plum brandy redistilled with juniper berries, sharply aromatic. Juniper berries — kleka — are added for a second distillation, a tradition of western Serbia and Bosnia.
The whole product is a second distillation, illegal without a licence, on top of a plum brandy that is itself distilled.
What goes into it
- šljivovica — plum brandy
- juniper berries
- water
How it is made
Finished plum brandy is redistilled with juniper berries so the spirit carries the resin and pine of the berry rather than just sitting on top of it. Some producers macerate instead, but the distilled version is the one the name properly belongs to. It is then rested for months.
How long it takes: a second distillation on top of an already-made brandy, then months resting
How it is eaten
In a small glass before a meal, and drunk as a folk remedy for a cold.
History
Juniper berries, called kleka, are added to šljivovica for a second distillation, a tradition of western Serbia and Bosnia.
Frequently asked questions
What is Klekovača?
Klekovača is a wine & spirit from Serbia: plum brandy redistilled with juniper berries, sharply aromatic. Juniper berries, called kleka, are added to šljivovica for a second distillation, a tradition of western Serbia and Bosnia.
How is Klekovača made?
Finished plum brandy is redistilled with juniper berries so the spirit carries the resin and pine of the berry rather than just sitting on top of it. Some producers macerate instead, but the distilled version is the one the name properly belongs to. It is then rested for months. It takes a second distillation on top of an already-made brandy, then months resting.
Can I make Klekovača at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. The whole product is a second distillation, illegal without a licence, on top of a plum brandy that is itself distilled.
What goes into Klekovača?
Šljivovica — plum brandy, juniper berries, water.
How is Klekovača eaten?
In a small glass before a meal, and drunk as a folk remedy for a cold.
