The Sweet Life
Celebrating Confectionery Creators
The Sweet Life: Birnn Chocolates of Vermont
FOUR GENERATIONS SPREADING TRUFFLE LOVE FAR AND WIDE
A fourth-generation operation, Birnn Chocolates of Vermont is owned by Julia Birnn Fields and her husband, Mel. Their motto pretty much sums up this flourishing wholesale business motto:
“We make truffles for people who sell truffles to people who love truffles.”
One of the key factors that makes their truffles so good is their focus on high-quality ingredients, the best chocolates, and fresh Vermont heavy cream. Monument Farms Dairy has been their source for local cream that gives the ganache center of the truffle its creamy consistency.
You will not find a storefront for Birnn Chocolates of Vermont, but many local businesses and florists sell Birnn truffles to their customers. A few you could search for across the state are Middlebury Sweets, Delish in Montpelier, Shelburne Country Store, and Forget-Me-Not Flowers and Gifts in Barre—or their factory seconds can be found at Cheese Traders in Burlington. One can only imagine Birnn’s earliest beginnings when Charles “Pop” Birnn was stirring up a fresh batch in a gleaming copper kettle at the corner candy store. Next to him, Miss Rita was rolling truffles, similar to the ones made today. Since 1915, four generations of making truffles have perfected the craft, and some of the well-loved classics now have a modern twist.
A business that started in Brooklyn, New York, brothers Jeff and Bill Birnn moved the operation to Vermont in 1991 to be closer to dairy cows and skiing. More than 150 varieties of chocolate truffles are made here and are delicious. Dark Raspberry and Dark Sea Salt Caramel receive first place for being the most popular.
Birnn has a multitude of flavors to suit any palate.
Birnn is far more than the delicious truffles it creates daily. The culture of the devoted workers defines their business. Their commitment to the 30 employees who work here is an inspiration; the Birnn Family prides itself on taking excellent care of their crew. Vermont’s local refugee resettlement organization has been a great source for recruiting hardworking, loyal people. Employees speak six different languages, and English classes are part of every workday for all. Countless examples demonstrate the family’s commitment, including offering a paid Christmas week off; during the height of the pandemic employees were paid to stay home. The factory where the truffles are created has a happy vibe and it’s easy to discern the pride employees take in their work.
Birnn has a multitude of flavors to suit any palate. Their Black Forest with a delectably aged cherry brandy makes this truffle dark, mysterious, and more than a little bit romantic. Other time-proven favorites include Sea Salt Caramel—Grandpa Birnn’s original recipe—and Maple, a white chocolate ganache infused with pure Vermont maple syrup.
A variety of styles of Birnn truffles make selections interesting, and all are made with fresh Vermont cream. Bite size is the classic European-style truffle, while dessert size is the most generous portion. Twists are wrapped to create the perfect grab and go, and artisan truffles are a more contemporary look with the same delicious center. When all these delicious truffles are shipped to customers nationwide, they are packed in brown, clever, cow-themed boxes, a testament to the important role Vermont cows serve.
Whether you find Birnn Chocolates of Vermont at your local candy counter or have the pleasure of receiving them as a corporate gift, wedding favor, or thoughtful present, they promise you a bite of deliciousness that has been re-created for more than 100 years.
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