This year\u2019s event broke all records, featuring 794 spirit samples<\/strong> submitted by 26 distilleries, 276 fruit distilleries, and individual producers<\/strong>. The competition was a celebration of exceptional quality and tradition. It also served as a meeting point where craftsmanship met modern techniques and international standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An expert jury evaluated quality through blind tasting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The competition was divided into two main categories \u2014 one for fruit growers\u2019 distilleries and private producers, and the other for commercial distilleries. 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 commercial division, well-established brands<\/strong> showcased their products, already well-recognised on international markets. The international Carpathian Quality<\/strong> competition reaffirmed that Slovak spirits have earned a firm place among Europe\u2019s finest<\/strong>, 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. It also reflected modern technologies and bold experiments by emerging producers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The organisers extend heartfelt thanks to all participants for their courage to present their creations in strong competition. They also congratulate all winners on their outstanding achievements. Spi\u0161 has once again become a place where tradition, expertise, and passion meet. It proves that a spirit is not merely a drink. It is also a cultural heritage and a true work of art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cheers! Glory to the winners, and respect to all who took part!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A prestigious International Spirits Competition reveals the true elite of distilling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":37853,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[198],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n
A panel of expert judges<\/strong> \u2014 seasoned tasters from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Moravia, and other European countries \u2014 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the plum brandy<\/strong> category, the winner was Vladim\u00edr Tom\u00e1\u0161ik from Str\u00e1\u017enice<\/strong>; the pear spirit<\/strong> category was dominated by Juraj Antal\u00edk from Rimavsk\u00e1 Sobota<\/strong>; Tom\u00e1\u0161 Hromek from Mikul\u010dice<\/strong> retained the title for the best apricot brandy<\/strong>, and Ivan Klu\u010dka from Ve\u013ek\u00e1 nad Veli\u010dkou<\/strong> took the top prize for his apple spirit<\/strong>.
Several producers also impressed in the \u201cOther \u2013 Blends\u201d<\/strong> category, successfully transforming regional traditions into outstanding results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nestvillepark.sk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/foto-SCD-2025-79-1024x682.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSlovak distillates among Europe\u2019s elite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Champion of the Competition<\/strong> title went to Lechmann s. r. o.<\/strong> for its exceptional cherry brandy<\/strong>.
The most prestigious award<\/strong>, Best Carpathian Quality<\/strong>, was bestowed upon the first Slovak Nestville Whisky Single Barrel Wheat 44%<\/strong> from Nestville Distillery<\/strong>, while the Carpathian Quality Trophy<\/strong> went to Heaven and Hell<\/strong> for their exquisite Kocbek London Dry Gin<\/strong>.
Several other top-quality products were also awarded, including GeoID plum brandy<\/strong>, Lechmann pear brandy<\/strong>, LAKLA apricot brandy<\/strong>, Raspenava Distillery cherry spirit<\/strong>, and vodka and juniper brandy from GAS Familia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpi\u0161 once again the center of the distilling world<\/h3>\n\n\n\n