Carpathian Quality 2025

The Northern Spiš region once again became the epicentre of the distilling world. Within the framework of the renowned Carpathian Quality 2025 competition, organised by Združenie Spiš o. z. in cooperation with the Slovak Order of the Knights of Distillates o. z., Europe’s finest craft distilleries, spirit producers, and private makers gathered to showcase their mastery.
This year’s event broke all records, featuring 794 spirit samples submitted by 26 distilleries, 276 fruit distilleries, and individual producers. The competition was not only a celebration of exceptional quality and tradition but also a meeting point where artisanal craftsmanship met modern techniques and international standards.

The competition was divided into two main categories — one for fruit growers’ distilleries and private producers, and the other for commercial distilleries.
A panel of expert judges — seasoned tasters from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Moravia, and other European countries — conducted blind tastings with the utmost professionalism. Each sample was assessed according to strict criteria: purity of aroma, harmony of flavour, varietal authenticity, and overall impression.

Among fruit growers and private producers, only the best stood out from dozens of competing entries. Awards went to distilleries and makers from various parts of Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
In the plum brandy category, the winner was Vladimír Tomášik from Strážnice; the pear spirit category was dominated by Juraj Antalík from Rimavská Sobota; Tomáš Hromek from Mikulčice retained the title for the best apricot brandy, and Ivan Klučka from Veľká nad Veličkou took the top prize for his apple spirit.
Several producers also impressed in the “Other – Blends” category, successfully transforming regional traditions into outstanding results.

In the commercial division, well-established brands showcased their products, already well-recognised on international markets.
The Champion of the Competition title went to Lechmann s. r. o. for its exceptional cherry brandy.
The most prestigious award, Best Carpathian Quality, was bestowed upon the first Slovak Nestville Whisky Single Barrel Wheat 44% from Nestville Distillery, while the Carpathian Quality Trophy went to Heaven and Hell for their exquisite Kocbek London Dry Gin.
Several other top-quality products were also awarded, including GeoID plum brandy, Lechmann pear brandy, LAKLA apricot brandy, Raspenava Distillery cherry spirit, and vodka and juniper brandy from GAS Familia.

The international Carpathian Quality competition reaffirmed that Slovak spirits have earned a firm place among Europe’s finest, captivating not only expert judges but also the wider public with their quality and character.
Each sample told its own story — from family recipes passed down through generations to modern technologies and bold experiments by emerging producers.

The organisers extend heartfelt thanks to all participants for their courage to present their creations in such strong competition and congratulate all winners on their outstanding achievements.
Spiš has once again become a place where tradition, expertise, and passion meet — a place that proves a spirit is not merely a drink, but a cultural heritage and a true work of art.
Cheers! Glory to the winners, and respect to all who took part!