Slovenia's Traditional Juniper Brandy "Brinjevec" Makes Its Japan Debut!

AND SPIRITS Co., Ltd. (Location: Meguro-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Ai Kuroda) will begin selling "Brinjevec," a traditional juniper berry distilled spirit from Slovenia, in limited quantities starting Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The product being released this time is a limited edition bottle with a logo commemorating the 13th anniversary of "Bar BenFiddich" on July 1, 2026. This world-rare "juniper brandy," which owner bartender Hiroyasu Kayama encountered in Slovenia and strongly wished to introduce to Japan, is making its first landing in Japan.

A Traditional Distilled Spirit Made by "Fermenting and Distilling" Juniper Berries, Not Gin

"Brinjevec" is a traditional distilled spirit from Slovenia, with juniper berries as its main ingredient. While typical gin is made by adding juniper berry and botanical flavors to a neutral spirit base, Brinjevec is distinctively characterized by the fermentation and distillation of the juniper berries themselves.

Juniper, the star of gin, is fermented and distilled as the raw ingredient itself, not just for flavoring.

This is the great appeal of the distilled spirit called Brinjevec.

BRIN Distillery Sheds New Light on a Fading Tradition

The "Brin Brinjevec" being imported this time is produced by Slovenia's BRIN distillery. As its name, "Brin," means "juniper berry" in Slovenian, it is a producer deeply rooted in the character of juniper and Slovenian tradition.

Erik Sarkič, founder and master distiller of BRIN distillery, started his own distilled spirit production based on the brandy-making knowledge inherited from his grandmother and father. The reason he holds such a strong passion for Brinjevec is that this distilled spirit is deeply connected to his family's memories and the culture of his land.

Brinjevec was once a traditional distilled spirit enjoyed as a digestif in Slovenia. However, in recent years, the number of producers and consumers has decreased, and its existence is becoming increasingly rare.

Erik continues to produce BRIN's Brinjevec with the desire to re-evaluate the value of this long-underrated distilled spirit and convey its charm to younger generations.

BRIN's Brinjevec is Made Only with Juniper Berries and Water

The ingredients for BRIN distillery's Brinjevec are solely fermented juniper berries and water. No flavorings, sugar, or other ingredients are added. While some producers add sugar or other alcohol to increase production volume, BRIN adheres to an honest and traditional method, producing alcohol solely from the power of the juniper berries themselves.

Selected and washed juniper berries are gently crushed and steeped in water. Natural fermentation then takes place over approximately 20 to 30 days. The fermented mash is distilled twice in a copper pot still, and the alcohol content in the final product is generated solely through the natural fermentation and distillation of the juniper berries.

Furthermore, in the first distillation, precious juniper-derived essential oils are carefully separated according to traditional methods. The spirit is then slowly re-distilled and allowed to rest for a period, bringing out the powerful juniper aroma and a clean, elegant finish.

Reflecting the tradition passed down in the Karst region while meeting modern quality standards, BRIN's Brinjevec shines as a premium Slovenian spirit with new appeal.

A Special Limited Edition of 180 Bottles to Commemorate Bar BenFiddich's 13th Anniversary

This time, to commemorate the 13th anniversary of "Bar BenFiddich" on July 1, 2026, we will release a limited edition bottle with the Brinjevec logo.

Bar BenFiddich is a bar located in Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo, attracting global attention.

Owner bartender Hiroyasu Kayama has been highly acclaimed in the domestic and international bar scene for his deep knowledge of herbs, spices, and distilled spirits, as well as his exceptional sensitivity in bringing out the charm of ingredients. With a creative approach that transcends existing cocktail boundaries, he continues to create unique cocktails that reflect the stories of land, culture, and ingredients within a single glass.

It was Brinjevec that Mr. Kayama encountered in Slovenia and strongly wished to introduce to the Japanese market. This commemorative first landing in Japan is a special edition featuring the Bar BenFiddich logo. Only 180 bottles will be available, making it a rare limited item.

Brin Brinjevec

Category: Spirits Country of Origin: Slovenia Alcohol Content: 47% Volume: 200ml Number of Bottles: 180

Price: 6,050 yen (tax included) Sales Start Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026

The fresh, sharp, and refreshing aroma of juniper is layered with a subtle sweetness. The taste is dry with a solid body, conveying the powerful character of juniper berries, while the finish is clean and elegantly refined.

*General sales will be for the 200ml size only.

Purchase Brinjevec Here

Recommended Enjoyment by Hiroyasu Kayama

Hiroyasu Kayama, Owner of Bar BenFiddich

1 Teaspoon in a Gin Tonic

Brinjevec is a distilled spirit with a very strong character. First, I recommend enjoying it by adding about 1 teaspoon as a finishing touch to your usual gin tonic. Adding it gently at the end creates a beautiful marble effect in the glass and adds depth to the flavor. The juniper aroma is further enhanced, offering a different expression than your usual gin tonic.

In cocktails, adding a small amount to a Grasshopper or Martini is also recommended. Even when poured over vanilla ice cream, Brinjevec's unique refreshing aroma and slight bitterness act as an accent, making it very delicious.

It is also enjoyed as a digestif in Slovenia, and it is recommended to savor it slowly, straight, in small sips.

At a total of four stores – Bar BenFiddich, Bar B&F, Bar Amber, and &SPIRITS – you can enjoy Brinjevec not only straight but also in various cocktails.

We are very pleased to introduce this special Brinjevec to the Japanese market as a new expression of juniper, distinct from gin, and as a traditional distilled spirit inherited from Slovenia.

We hope that both gin enthusiasts and those seeking to discover new, undiscovered spirits will give it a try.

Brinjevec Sales Site:

AND SPIRITS Online Shop

Brinjevec Serving Locations:

Bar BenFiddich (Yamato-ya Bldg. 9F, 1-13-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) Bar B&F (Yamato-ya Bldg. 2F, 1-13-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) Bar Amber (Tamura Bldg. 1F, 2-25-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo) &SPIRITS (Maison Bellwood 1F/B1F, 1-14-6 Kami-Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo)