EXPERTS CONFIRM THE QUALITY OF HERZEGOVINIAN BRANDY

Professor Aleksandar Petrović from the Faculty of Agriculture in Belgrade, accompanied by his colleagues, visited the Starović Distillery in Samobor near Gacko, where they observed the brandy production process and tasted various types of this traditional drink.

PHOTO: Miloš Vasiljević

Professor Petrović, who has been following the distillery’s production process since its founding, emphasized that this year’s brandy quality is exceptionally high.

“Given that high-quality fruit and raw materials were used in the process, fermentation was carried out perfectly. The most common mistakes in production occur during fermentation. The still is a concentrator – it amplifies both the good and the bad, which is why it’s crucial that there’s much more of the good,” explained Professor Petrović.

He added that this year he was particularly impressed by the apple brandy.

“The apple brandy is perfect — one of the best I’ve tasted in recent years. It’s essential to use different apple varieties because that brings richness of aroma and consistency of flavor,” Petrović noted.

According to him, ‘Srčanik’, the distillery’s signature brandy, has already become a true brand.

“It’s the only brandy with scientifically confirmed health benefits, particularly regarding its chemical composition and its positive effects on blood vessel cleansing. It’s truly one of the most beneficial drinks,” said Professor Petrović.

Docent Dr. Dragan Brenjo also expressed satisfaction with the visit, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and quality improvement in the region.

“It’s a pleasure to be here in Herzegovina with colleagues from Belgrade. The sommelier school is starting its second course, which will further raise the quality of the gastronomic and wine offer in the region. We visited the Starović Distillery, known for its top-quality brandies and numerous international awards,” said Dr. Brenjo.

He added that the tasting confirmed the exceptional and steadily improving quality of the distillery’s products.

“In addition to grape, plum, apple, and wild pear brandies, I would especially highlight ‘Srčanik’ — an authentic Herzegovinian product that deserves a prominent place in the gastronomic scene,” Brenjo concluded.

The Starović Distillery is unique for its combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.

“Our distillery represents a blend of tradition and innovation. We work exclusively with carefully selected fruit, and every phase — from fermentation to distillation — is carried out under strict control,” said Rade Starović, the distillery’s owner.

According to him, the most demanding and crucial part of the process is obtaining a completely pure distillate — free of methyl alcohol, fusel oils, higher alcohols, sulfur compounds, and heavy metals.

“The Herzegovinian brand ‘Srčanik’ was created out of a desire to elevate the traditional brandy-making of Herzegovina to a higher, scientifically grounded level. Professors from agricultural, pharmaceutical, and medical faculties participated in its development to ensure that every phase met the highest standards of purity and quality,” explained Starović.

He added that the greatest challenge was maintaining quality without compromise.

“Today, as ‘Srčanik’ and our other brandies win awards and the trust of consumers, we know our efforts have paid off. Visits from experts like these mean a lot — when professionals confirm our quality, it’s both validation and motivation to keep improving,” concluded Starović.