Poli Elisir Prugna Liqueur Italy 70 cl 40 %

There's something reassuring about a bottle that has followed the exact same recipe since 1898. Poli Elisir Prugna is one of the liqueurs the Poli family in Schiavon has never touched — because it was already perfect.

Expert description of Poli Elisir Prugna

Poli Distillerie was founded in 1898 by GioBatto Poli in the small town of Schiavon in Veneto, and is now run by the fourth generation — siblings Jacopo, Gianpaolo, Barbara and Andrea Poli. Liqueurs have been part of the production since the very start, and on the old 1930 letterhead, "Fabbrica liquori" actually came before "Distilleria Acquavite".

Elisir Prugna's story starts somewhere else. It was originally called Sliwovitz di Prugna, a dry plum liqueur. But in 1938, the term Sliwovitz became reserved for the dry plum distillates of Eastern Europe, and the Poli family had to find a new name for their own, sweeter version. Elisir Prugna was born — made by letting pure plum juice infuse in alcohol, without distilling the fruit itself.

The plums used are of the Prunus domestica variety, and the result is a liqueur with a character somewhere between fruit, almond and pastry — a style deeply rooted in the traditions of the Vicenza area.

Tasting notes

Nose

The aroma brings ripe plums, toasted almonds and a hint of amaretto biscuit — warm and inviting, like a tray of cookies fresh out of the oven.

Palate

Sweet without being cloying, with clear plum character and the signature note of amaretto and bitter almond that Elisir Prugna is known for.

Finish

Soft and lingering, where almond and ripe fruit walk hand in hand into a round, warm close.

Specifications

Name: Poli Elisir Prugna Liqueur Italy 40%

Distillery: Poli Distillerie

Region/Country: Veneto, Italy

Type: Fruit Liqueur (Plum Liqueur)

ABV: 40%

Size: 700 ML

EAN no.: 8014115000185

Serving suggestion: Best enjoyed at room temperature, around 10-15°C, in a tulip-shaped glass, so the almond and amaretto aromas can fully open up. It also pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, vanilla ice cream or a plate of aged cheeses.

Flavour profile

Fruity · Sweet · Almond · Round

Did you know?

Poli Distillerie still sticks to the original recipe for Elisir Prugna, and at the distillery, the liqueur is used in the cocktail "Holy Prugna", where it's mixed with scotch whisky, ice and a cherry garnish — a small reminder of just how versatile an old Italian family's liqueur recipe can be.

See our full range of Poli Liqueur

Questions and answers about Poli Elisir Prugna

Is Poli Elisir Prugna worth the money?

Yes, it's a well-crafted liqueur from one of Italy's most respected distilleries. Poli has made Elisir Prugna to the same recipe since 1938, and the quality of the ingredients — pure plum juice rather than flavourings — really shows in the glass.

What does Poli Elisir Prugna taste like?

It tastes of ripe plums with a clear note of almond and amaretto. The sweetness is present but never cloying, and the finish is soft and round.

Where does Poli Elisir Prugna come from?

It comes from Poli Distillerie in Schiavon in Veneto, a family-run distillery founded in 1898. The family is still at the helm today and is best known for their grappa, which you can also find a wide selection of under Poli Grappa.

Is Poli Elisir Prugna a good gift?

Yes, especially for someone who loves Italian food culture or liqueurs with a story. The bottle has a classic, timeless style, and the name Poli is a safe bet if the recipient already knows their grappa or Italian specialities.

How should an opened bottle of Elisir Prugna be stored?

Store it upright, away from light, at room temperature or slightly cooler. Like most sugar-containing liqueurs, it keeps well for a long time after opening as long as the cap is properly closed.

How should Poli Elisir Prugna be served?

Best at room temperature in a small tulip-shaped glass, so the aroma of almond and amaretto can open up fully. Some prefer it lightly chilled for a slightly fresher experience.

Should it be served on ice?

It's not necessary, but if you prefer a cooler, more subdued version, a couple of ice cubes work well. Most people enjoy it neat to get the full flavour.

What does Poli Elisir Prugna pair well with?

It's made to follow dessert. Try it with dark chocolate, vanilla ice cream, or a plate of aged cheeses and dried figs.

Can Poli Elisir Prugna be used in cocktails?

Yes, it works surprisingly well in drinks. At Poli Distillerie, it's used in the cocktail "Holy Prugna" together with scotch whisky, but it's also well worth experimenting with in sparkling-wine based drinks.

What's the difference between Elisir Prugna and a regular Sliwovitz?

Sliwovitz is typically a dry plum brandy distilled from the fruit itself. Elisir Prugna is sweeter, made by letting pure plum juice infuse in alcohol — a completely different, more rounded style.

Who runs Poli Distillerie today?

The distillery is run by the fourth generation of the Poli family — siblings Jacopo, Gianpaolo, Barbara and Andrea — who carry on the traditions started by great-grandfather GioBatto, who founded the distillery in 1898.