ISTRIAN JUNIPER BRANDY – VINTAGE 2025

 TRUE JUNIPER BRANDY

Fermented spirit made from juniper berries (Juniperus communis)

 Production method

Unlike juniper spirits produced by maceration, true juniper brandy is made exclusively through fermentation of juniper berries. Fully ripe berries are hand-harvested, crushed, and left to ferment naturally. The fermented mass is then distilled.

To produce 1 litre of true juniper brandy at approximately 45% alcohol, around 5 to 10 kilograms of juniper berries are required. This clearly illustrates why true juniper brandy is a rare and highly valued product.

 Traditional use in folk tradition

In Slovenian, Karst, and wider Central European tradition, true juniper brandy was traditionally consumed in very small quantities:

• as an aperitif before meals,

• as a digestif after rich or heavy food,

• in cases of digestive discomfort and a feeling of heaviness,

• for bloating,

• for acid reflux and heartburn (folk tradition),

• during episodes of diarrhea or constipation as part of household digestive practices,

• for women’s discomfort associated with cold and tension (traditional context),

• during cold weather for a sense of inner warmth,

• as part of spring and autumn “cleansing” rituals.

Folk practice always emphasised moderation, short-term use, and respect for the strength of the plant and the spirit.

 Detailed description

True juniper brandy holds a special place in Slovenian tradition. Due to the low content of fermentable sugars in juniper berries, its production is exceptionally demanding and requires extensive knowledge, time, and patience. The resulting distillate is dry, intensely aromatic, and unmistakable.

Since 2016, our true juniper brandy has received multiple awards and recognitions, confirming its quality, consistency, and respect for the traditional production method. Each bottle carries a story of nature, time, and craftsmanship.

 Warnings

• alcoholic beverage

• consume responsibly and in moderation only

• not suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women

• keep out of reach of children

• do not use before driving or operating machinery

 Sources

European Herbal Medicine & Traditional Uses
German Commission E – Juniperus communis
Hoffmann, D. – Medical Herbalism
Traditional Alpine & Karst distillation practices
European Ethnobotanical Review