In Romania, plums are more than a fruit. They are a cultural emblem. Land of Plums Distillery carries this heritage forward, dedicated to honoring the plum as both a cultural touchstone and a premium spirit base. Built on the qualities of authenticity and patience, the distillery transforms handpicked plums from its own orchards into small-batch spirits that embody both refinement and tradition.

At the core of their portfolio lies The Gentleman’s Collection, featuring three distinctive expressions: Plum Elixir aged in mulberry barrels, Plum Elixir aged in smoke tree barrels, and Plum Elixir aged in oak barrels. Each is pot-distilled, matured with care, and designed to highlight the natural character of the fruit through thoughtful aging in noble wood barrels.

Patience and Authenticity as Guiding Principles

At Land of Plums Distillery, patience means allowing time for both nature and the distillation process to work without interference. “It’s about letting things take their time, without rushing, so the plum can express itself fully,” explains Anghele Aurelian-Dumitrache, Administrator at the distillery. Authenticity, for the brand, comes from refusing shortcuts and staying true to traditional methods, ensuring that each spirit speaks for itself through natural aromas and balance.

The decision to focus exclusively on plums came from a desire to showcase a symbol deeply tied to Romanian identity. “In Romanian villages, the plum has always been a symbol of hospitality and pride,” says Anghele. “We decided it deserves a place on the international stage, just as any premium spirit does.”

That philosophy extends into their positioning. The Gentleman’s Collection is described as “not made for everyone” — not in terms of exclusivity, but in its dedication to refinement. Each bottle is meant for consumers who value craftsmanship, tradition and taste, without the need for explanation.

From Orchard to Bottle

The process begins in Land of Plums’ own orchards, where plums are hand-selected and naturally fermented. Distillation follows in copper pot stills, using techniques passed down through generations. The slow, careful approach ensures purity and balance. From there, the spirit is aged in carefully chosen barrels — mulberry, smoke tree, or oak — each imparting a different layer of character and complexity. Bottling is done in small batches, ensuring consistency and attention to detail.

While tradition is the foundation, the distillery also invests in modern methods to maintain consistency and quality. Temperature control and process monitoring ensure that each batch meets the same high standard without compromising authenticity. At the same time, experiments with different plum varieties reveal the fruit’s versatility — from sweeter, softer profiles to more acidic or intensely aromatic expressions.

Land of Plums Gentlemen's Collection

Preserving Romanian Craft on the Global Stage

For markets less familiar with artisanal Romanian spirits, Land of Plums positions itself as an ambassador of refinement and authenticity. Every aspect of the brand, from packaging to communication, emphasizes the marriage of heritage and elegance. “Land of Plums is not just a premium artisanal spirit, but a representation of Romanian refinement,” says Anghele.

Over the next decade, Land of Plums plans to expand its portfolio with limited editions and premium releases, experimenting with new barrel types and maturation styles to highlight the fruit’s versatility. These innovations will build on the same foundation of patience, tradition, and authenticity that define the brand today.

A Lasting Impression

At its core, Land of Plums wants to be remembered for its fidelity to tradition and its commitment to authenticity. “We want people to associate Land of Plums with the nobility of tradition and the strength of authenticity,” Anghele concludes. Each bottle is designed not just as a spirit, but as an enduring experience — one that reflects Romania’s cultural heritage and the timeless refinement of plum-based distillation.

Header image sourced from Land of Plums Distillery.