Production
VINPROM – TROYAN has been producing fruit brandies with a tradition dating back to 1948. We are best known for our plum brandy. Additionally, we produce other fruit brandies, including apricot, quince, pear, apple, cherry, sour cherry, and mirabelle.
Every year, the company purchases Bulgarian fruits, with 3,000 to 6,000 tons of fruit being used in our production.
After being received, the fruits undergo a process of fermentation and distillation. We produce plum distillate, apricot distillate, pear distillate, apple distillate, quince distillate, cherry distillate, sour cherry distillate, and more.
Most of the produced distillate is diluted to a lower alcohol content (brandy) and then aged in oak barrels.
After aging, the brandy is bottled, resulting in the final product.
The entire production process is available year-round for visitors, and we regularly conduct tours with tastings every Saturday at 15:00.
Fruit Reception
We receive the fruit in reception vats. We have two reception vats – one for stone fruits and one for pome fruits. The vat for stone fruits removes the stones right during the fruit reception
After reception, the fruit mash is pumped into fermenters where fermentation occurs.
Fermentation
Alcoholic fermentation is a process where sugars are broken down into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide.
This process takes place in fermenters. All stone fruits in our production ferment without the presence of stones. We control the fermentation process and, if necessary, cool the fermentation vessels.
At VINPROM – TROYAN AD, fermentation is natural; no additional substances are added to the fruit mash, and oxygen access is not restricted.
During fermentation, laboratory analyses periodically monitor whether the process is complete. When it is determined that all sugars in the mash have been converted into alcohol (ethanol), the mash is ready for the next important production process – distillation.
Distillation
Distillation is a process of separating a liquid mixture into its constituent parts by utilizing the differences in boiling points. During distillation, the mixture of water and alcohol is heated to its boiling point and partially evaporated; the vapor is separated from the liquid and condensed. The main elements of the fermented mash – water and alcohol – have different boiling points (different volatility): The boiling point of ethanol is 78.38°C, while that of water is 100°C. The purpose of distillation is to separate the volatile components, i.e., those that boil quickly – water, ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, higher alcohols, acetaldehyde, esters, and others – from the non-volatile elements – solids or dissolved parts of the fruit, salts, acids.
Alcohol production is strictly monitored by customs authorities, so after exiting the column, the distillate passes through a customs-sealed flow meter that accurately records the produced liters and their alcohol content. The distillates are then pumped into storage tanks.
Distillate Storage
After production, all distillates are left to rest for a certain period (4-6 months). This is necessary to harmonize the taste and aroma, allowing them to “soften.” The distillates rest in internal tanks, which are specially lined with stainless steel for this purpose.
Distillate Storage
Distillate Storage
After production, all distillates are left to rest for a certain period (4-6 months). This is necessary to harmonize the taste and aroma, allowing them to “soften.” The distillates rest in internal tanks, which are specially lined with stainless steel for this purpose.
Bottling
Currently, VINPROM – TROYAN AD uses two main types of bottles. The 0.7-liter bottle is used for the best-selling products – the brandy series, which includes five products (plum, apricot, cherry, apple, and pear brandy) and for the three-year-aged Plum Brandy. The other main bottle is the so-called “alarm clock” – a proprietary bottle of the Czech parent company RUDOLF JELINEK AD, used only for the highest quality fruit distillates. This bottle is used by VINPROM – TROYAN AD for Old Plum Brandy, Selection Apricot, Selection Pear Brandy Williams, Selection Quince Brandy, and others.
Protected Geographical Indication
VINPROM – TROYAN has been producing Troyan Plum Brandy in a traditional way for more than 75 years. To preserve this history and tradition, this exceptional product was registered in the European Union. The product “Troyan Plum Brandy” is protected in the EU with a Protected Geographical Indication.
Kosher Production
The history of our sister company, Rudolf Jelinek, is closely tied to the production of kosher products, which hold religious significance for the Jewish community worldwide. Following this tradition, VINPROM – TROYAN also produces products following strict kosher production rules. Additionally, we are the exclusive importers of the Rudolf Jelinek brand in Bulgaria, including their kosher products.
Every year, we are inspected by representatives of a kosher organization, which then certifies our kosher production.
