Prize award ceremony was held at the end of September within the 2nd annual event „Carpathian Quality“, conjoined with the tasting of fruit and grain distillates by the wide public. Distillers from various countries met together at the Spiš Distillery in Stará Ľubovňa, in the Castle Distillery Stará Ľubovňa, and in the Nestville Distillery located in the village Hniezdne. People who like the unique taste had opportunity to taste top distillery beverages. The competition ,,Carpathian Quality“, organized by the Association Spiš in cooperation with the Slovak Order of Distillate Knights, welcomed the visitors in the world of senses where the abundant history of distillery synergize with modern technique. The event was not only an opportunity for all the participants to taste the distillates but also to become familiar with various processing styles of fruits and grains that ensure a unique nature of the distillates.
Total 479 samples were presented; thereof 385 samples were submitted by domestic cultivators and cultivation distilleries, and 94 samples by prestigious distilleries from various EU countries. The visitors had opportunity to taste and compare various tastes of plum, apricot, pear brandy, as well as many other sorts of fruit and grain distillates.
Announcement of the winners in all categories and the prize award ceremony represented one of dominant moments of the event. International professional board comprising 35 recognized tasters and distillate specialists had carefully evaluated each sample according to the given criterions – taste, aroma, texture, image and overall impression; based on the international 100-point scale.
Pavel Kohút with his Duranzia became a total winner in the category of domestic (Slovak) cultivators. Company LDK s. r. o. won the category of distilleries with their sour cherry brandy. Company GAS Familia, s.r.o. was awarded a special prize „Top Carpathian Quality“ with their Goral Vodka Master.
The unique nature of the event comprised not only the tasting itself but also the prevailing atmosphere during two days. The visitors got opportunity to share their opinions with experts, to become familiar with distillate production process and to gain knowledge of the unique nature of every distillate. They could also admire the variety of climatic and soil conditions that contribute to characteristic taste and aroma of distillates from various regions.
The competition „Carpathian Quality“ confirmed the increased interest in high quality distillates and craft products. The visitors appreciated the extensive selection, possibility to know in detail the distillation process, and compare various approaches and techniques. Interesting cultural program was prepared that put the finishing touch to the event atmosphere.
Association Spiš already enthusiastically plans the next, third annual competition that should present even more samples, more prize awards and more unforgettable experiences. Success of the second annual competition „Carpathian Quality“ was a clear signal of the promising future as one of the leading events of the kind. Visitors and organizers are already looking forward to the next meeting in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains where tradition and quality are welcomed with enthusiasm and curiosity of all senses.