Stara Pesma 18 Year Old – Eighteen Years of Serbian Rakija Excellence

An Exceptional 18-Year-Old Serbian Plum Brandy

Stara Pesma 18 Year Old Plum Rakija represents the remarkable depth and sophistication that traditional Serbian Šljivovica can achieve through extended oak maturation.

Produced by Stara Pesma, a respected family distillery from the Bajina Bašta region of western Serbia, this premium plum brandy is aged for an impressive 18 years in oak barrels, developing a beautifully balanced character that sets it apart from younger expressions.

Its name, Stara Pesma, translates to “Old Song”, reflecting the traditions, craftsmanship and hospitality deeply associated with Balkan rakija culture.

Presented in a 700ml bottle with a cardboard gift box, this exceptional spirit is ideal for collectors, special celebrations and those seeking a truly distinguished aged Serbian rakija.

What Makes Stara Pesma 18 Year Old So Special?

The defining characteristic of this remarkable Šljivovica is its extraordinary 18-year oak maturation.

While many traditional plum rakijas are enjoyed young or after several years in wood, Stara Pesma spends nearly two decades developing its mature character.

During this extended ageing period, the spirit gradually interacts with the oak, allowing the natural fruit aromas to become beautifully integrated with the influence of the barrel.

The result is a rich, elegant and exceptionally refined plum brandy, offering layers of mature plum, vanilla, delicate wood and a long, harmonious finish.

Producing an 18-year-old rakija also requires a significant commitment of time, careful barrel management and the patience to hold stock for almost two decades before bottling.

These qualities help explain why Stara Pesma 18 Year Old commands a premium price and is regarded as a special-occasion spirit rather than an everyday Šljivovica.

Crafted from Four Carefully Selected Plum Varieties

Stara Pesma 18 Year Old is made using four plum varieties:

• Čačanska Lepotica

• Čačanska Rodna

• Crvena Ranka

• Stanley

These varieties provide the fruit foundation for the rakija, contributing to its traditional plum character before the spirit undergoes its extended oak maturation.

After distillation, the brandy rests in wooden barrels for 216 months, allowing the natural flavours of the fruit and oak to develop into a harmonious, mature expression.

From an Award-Winning Serbian Distillery

Stara Pesma has established an outstanding reputation through its traditional production methods and success at respected rakija competitions.

The distillery's achievements include:

Grand Gold Medals – Novi Sad Fair

Stara Pesma's five-year-old Šljivovica received Grand Gold Medals at the Novi Sad Fair in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Best Rakija of the Festival – 2016

Its five-year-old Šljivovica was awarded Best Rakija of the Festival at the Serbian Rakija Festival in 2016.

Belgrade Winner – Rakija Fest 2013

Stara Pesma's seven-year-old Šljivovica was recognised as the Belgrade Winner and Best Rakija at Rakija Fest in 2013.

Grand Gold Medals – Žestival

The producer's twelve-year-old Šljivovica received Grand Gold Medals at Žestival in Užice in 2017 and 2018.

These awards recognise other expressions within the Stara Pesma range and demonstrate the distillery's longstanding reputation for producing high-quality Serbian plum brandy.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep golden-amber colour developed through prolonged oak ageing.

Aroma: Elegant and complex, with mature plum, subtle vanilla and refined oak notes.

Palate: Rich and beautifully rounded, combining ripe fruit character with gentle wood influence and a harmonious texture.

Finish: Long, warming and sophisticated, with lingering mature plum and delicate oak.

Presented in a Cardboard Gift Box

Stara Pesma 18 Year Old comes in a 700ml bottle accompanied by a cardboard presentation gift box.

The packaging makes it an excellent option for gifting while keeping the focus on the extraordinary spirit inside.

Its impressive age, traditional Serbian heritage and distinguished character make it a thoughtful choice for Slava celebrations, weddings, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, Father's Day, gifts for a kum and special family occasions.

For collectors and enthusiasts of aged spirits, the 18-year maturation offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the complexity of a carefully matured Serbian plum brandy.

How to Enjoy Stara Pesma 18 Year Old

To appreciate its refined character, serve neat at approximately 14–18°C.

Allow the spirit a moment in the glass before sipping to appreciate the mature plum aromas, vanilla notes and delicate oak influence.

Enjoy slowly after a meal or alongside traditional Balkan delicacies.

Its extended oak maturation also makes it an interesting alternative for enthusiasts of aged whisky, cognac and other premium barrel-aged spirits.

The Heritage of Stara Pesma

Produced in Pilica, near Bajina Bašta in western Serbia, Stara Pesma is associated with the Ilić family's dedication to traditional fruit brandy production.

The region's longstanding plum-growing heritage provides the foundation for its distinctive range of Šljivovica expressions.

From younger fruit-forward rakijas to mature, extensively aged spirits, Stara Pesma has developed a reputation for combining traditional distillation methods with careful oak maturation.

Its 18 Year Old Plum Rakija stands as a remarkable expression of that heritage, demonstrating the depth, elegance and complexity that can be achieved through nearly two decades of patience.

Complete your rakija collection: Explore our Premium Rakija Collection, Serbian Rakija or browse our Rakija Glassware.

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