Brinjevec

Brinjevec (or Brinovec) is a strong alcoholic drink, produced in the Karst and Brkini regions in Slovenia. It is re-distilled from ground and fermented juniper berries only and it differs from similar drinks that have different alcohol bases with added juniper flavor (compound Gin, Slovak Borovička, Dutch Jenever, Serbian Klekovača, etc.). It has a clear transparent color and it is meant for folk medicinal use and not for regular drinking. It contains between 40% and 50% alcohol and has a very distinctive tart taste

Kraški brinjevec means 'Karst gin' or 'Karst juniper brandy'.

The word brinovec derives from the word brin 'juniper' and it is made from juniper berries.

Kraški brinjevec has been made by local farmers in the Karst and Brkini regions for centuries. It was first mentioned 200 years ago. It has always been appreciated by locals for its curative effects as a cure for many problems. Because it is fermented only from juniper berries (from 100 to 150 kilos of berries for 10 liters of spirit) and distilled and re-distilled in a special copper still, it costs €30 or more per liter (2010) if buying from local farmers.

Kraški brinjevec is mentioned in several books such as National Geographic's Taste Slovenia by Janez Bogataj and Lonely Planet's Slovenia - History, Culture & Outdoors as an exquisite traditional drink. It has also found its way into the brochure of Slovene souvenirs published by "Slovenia's Official Travel Guide".

Brinjevec is sold in some bars and inns for drinking as well. However most cases such brinjevec is merely a cheap surrogate of traditional Karst brinjevec. Usually made from plum brandy, tropinovec (pomace brandy), or even alcohol made of fermented potatoes with added juniper flavor. Some prefer it this way as taste is milder and it is more drinkable.

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Wikipedia