Khan Krum 13 Year Brandy 750ML is a Bulgarian grape brandy aged 13 years in small oak barrels, bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml format. Distilled from a distinctive blend of Dimyat and Riesling grape varieties, this expression stands apart from most Bulgarian brandies through its extended maturation period and dual-grape composition.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Danubian Plains, Bulgaria | 13 Year Age Statement | Distillery: Khan KrumProduction & HeritageKhan Krum Distillery is located in Bulgaria's Danubian Plains, a region with a long grape-growing tradition. The 13 Year expression is produced using classical brandy-making technology: wine stock distilled and then transferred to small oak barrels where it rests for a full thirteen years. The choice of Dimyat—a native Bulgarian white grape—alongside Riesling creates a base spirit with a character distinct from the Muscat- or Ugni Blanc-driven brandies more common elsewhere in Europe. The smaller barrel format accelerates interaction between spirit and wood, contributing to the brandy's developed aromatic profile.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with a well-developed bouquet anchored by dried orchard fruit and gentle floral undertones. As the glass warms, subtle honeyed oak and light spice emerge, reflecting over a decade of barrel contact.Taste: On entry, the palate is mild and smooth with ripe grape sweetness giving way to delicate dried fruit and a hint of toasted oak at mid-palate. The texture is medium-bodied, with a softness that speaks to the lengthy aging process. There is no harshness—just a well-integrated interplay between fruit and wood.Finish: The finish is long-lasting and gentle, with lingering notes of warm oak and a soft, slightly spiced fade. A trace of dried apricot and vanilla sustains through the close.How to Drink Khan Krum 13 YearThis brandy is best enjoyed neat in a tulip-shaped snifter at room temperature, where its 13 years of oak aging can express the full range of aroma and flavor. A small splash of still water can open up the more delicate floral and fruit notes. For cocktails, it works well in a Sidecar, where its mild grape character and oak backbone balance against Cointreau and lemon; in a Brandy Alexander, where the spirit's softness pairs naturally with cream and nutmeg; and in a Stinger, where its delicate profile complements crème de menthe without being overpowered.Best For Introducing a brandy enthusiast to Bulgarian grape brandy traditions After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or coffee Gifting someone who appreciates aged spirits from lesser-known regions Building a collection of Eastern European brandies and eaux-de-vie Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Khan Krum 13 Year taste like? Khan Krum 13 Year delivers a mild, delicate flavor profile featuring ripe grape sweetness, dried orchard fruit, and toasted oak, with a soft, long-lasting finish that reflects its extended small-barrel aging.How does Khan Krum 13 Year compare to Burgas 63 Special Selection? Burgas 63 Special Selection is widely regarded as one of Bulgaria's top brandies and tends to present a bolder, more assertive character. Khan Krum 13 Year leans toward a softer, more delicate style, partly due to its Dimyat and Riesling grape blend and long small-barrel maturation.Is Khan Krum 13 Year good for sipping neat? Yes—its 13 years of oak aging have produced a smooth, well-integrated spirit that rewards slow, contemplative sipping. The 40% ABV makes it approachable without needing dilution.Where is Khan Krum 13 Year made? Khan Krum 13 Year is produced at the Khan Krum Distillery in Bulgaria's Danubian Plains, a fertile lowland region in the northern part of the country known for its grape cultivation.What foods pair well with Khan Krum 13 Year? Dark chocolate and dried figs complement the brandy's fruit-forward sweetness. Aged hard cheeses like kashkaval echo its nutty oak tones. Baklava or honey-drizzled pastries mirror the honeyed warmth in the finish. Roasted walnuts bring out the spirit's subtle spice, and crème brûlée matches its vanilla undertones.What sizes does Khan Krum 13 Year come in? The standard and most widely available format is the 750ml bottle.Is Khan Krum 13 Year worth the price? Khan Krum 13 Year positions as a mid-range aged brandy, and its 13-year age statement delivers notable maturity relative to its price tier—offering more time in wood than many comparably priced Western European grape brandies.Why Khan Krum 13 Year?Thirteen years in small oak barrels is a significant commitment for any brandy, and the result here is a spirit with genuine depth and integration. The use of Dimyat, a grape indigenous to Bulgaria, gives this expression a regional identity that sets it apart from the Ugni Blanc–dominated brandy world. For drinkers looking beyond Cognac and Armagnac, Khan Krum 13 Year represents a compelling entry point into Bulgarian brandy—an underappreciated category with deep roots in European distilling tradition. The mild, delicate character and extended finish make a strong case for the quality that patient aging in the right barrels can deliver.
