Nestled in Croatia, Šušnjar is a small, family-owned distillery with a rich history of producing premium fruit brandies. Founded in 1960 and now led by Nikola Susnjar, the distillery continues to craft exquisite brandies from their own orchards. With a dedication to quality over quantity, they remain true to their roots while embracing modern techniques to elevate their brandy offerings.

A Journey from Tradition to Innovation

The story of Šušnjar began with a single plum orchard and has now grown to over 6 hectares of plum orchards and 2 hectares of cherry orchards. This expansion speaks to the family’s passion for bringing back a lost treasure—plum brandy, a staple in Croatian culture. According to Susnjar their craftsmanship is a testament to the quality of this special plum brandy, and it is a tradition they’ve strived to keep alive through generations.

Driven by the belief that they could restore a long-forgotten tradition, the family leveraged the high-quality raw materials from their land and combined it with their experience in distilling. Today, Šušnjar is at the forefront of reawakening Croatia’s plum brandy heritage, offering a product that showcases the essence of their unique orchards and sustainable practices.

The Philosophy: Field to Bottle Excellence

What sets this family-distillery apart from others is their dedication to a field-to-bottle approach. From the moment the plums are harvested to the final product being bottled, each step is meticulously controlled to ensure superior quality. The operation is fully field to bottle and every step is carefully considered, without compromising the integrity of brandy. This commitment to excellence starts in their orchards. Using a combination of modern fermentation techniques and digital monitoring systems, they ensure that only the best, fully matured plums make it to fermentation. These techniques maximise flavour while ensuring a consistent product that meets the highest standards.

Sustainable Practices: A Key Focus

Sustainability is at the core of Šušnjar’s production methods. Their commitment to replenishing the oak used for maturing their brandy ensures that the supply remains steady for years to come. For every tree used in the ageing process, a new one is planted, reinforcing their dedication to long-term, sustainable practices.

New Releases and Future Projects

Šušnjar continues to innovate, with exciting new releases planned for this year. These include a strong 3-year aged plum brandy, a cherry liqueur, and a special 4-year aged premium plum brandy. Additionally, the distillery is working on two new plum-related products set for release in late 2025, promising even more unique offerings that blend tradition with modern innovation.

Image Credits: Šušnjar (Left-Right: Cherry Liqueur; Royal Reserve; Susnjar Premium)

Global Expansion Plans

As demand for high-quality, premium products grows, Šušnjar is eyeing expansion beyond Croatia. The distillery plans to first test the European market, focusing on niche areas that appreciate artisanal spirits. In the coming years, they aim to expand into North and South America, bringing their unique Croatian plum brandy to new international audiences. This growth is part of a larger plan to scale the business by incorporating modern technology and partnerships that ensure a consistent supply of raw materials and an efficient workflow at the distillery.

Conclusion: Tradition Meets Innovation

Šušnjar Distillery stands as an example of how traditional craftsmanship can coexist with modern technology to create a product that is both authentic and innovative. By maintaining a strict focus on quality, sustainable practices, and embracing their Croatian heritage, Šušnjar is not just producing brandy but reviving a legacy. With exciting new products and ambitious global expansion plans, Šušnjar is set to make its mark on the international spirits market, proving that true craftsmanship indeed transcends borders.

Header image sourced from Šušnjar.

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