A unique event with no competition in Slovakia
The civic association Združenie Spiš, together with theSlovak Order of the Knights of Distillates, organised the third edition of a unique event that resembles a wine route — yet has no equal in Slovakia.
The Spiš Spirits Route brought experiences and memories that words can hardly capture — one simply had to be there.
In the Nestville Distillery in Hniezdne, the Spišská Pálenica, and the Castle Distillery in Stará Ľubovňa, the air was filled with the enchanting aroma of spirits and ripe fruit. Gentle music completed the special atmosphere, while autumn culinary delights tempted visitors straight from the street. Each tasting carried within it a fragment of a story — of people, places, and traditions.
Record number of samples from across Europe
The event featured an astonishing 794 spirit samples — 153 from distilleries and 641 from growers and small producers across Europe. Each glass offered a journey through countries with a rich distilling heritage.
Visitors could savour a mosaic of flavours and aromas reflecting the tradition, culture, and artistry of master distillers. Yet the tastings were not just about flavour — they were about encounters, conversations, and shared emotions among enthusiasts, experts, and curious newcomers alike.
The Spiš Spirits Route culminated in the prestigious Carpathian Quality competition, where an international panel of experts honoured the finest entries. The award ceremony held at the Spišská Pálenica resonated with pride, joy, and heartfelt applause for the winners — who took home not only trophies, but also the recognition of an entire community.
Three locations, three unique atmospheres
Each of the three locations offered a distinct atmosphere. Nestville Distillery in Hniezdne demonstrated that Spiš is home to one of Central Europe’s most advanced distilleries, where tradition meets innovation in perfect harmony. Spiš Distillery captivated visitors with its deep-rooted tradition and centuries-old recipes. Castle Distillery, nestled beneath the Ľubovňa Castle, blended history with modern distilling artistry.
“The atmosphere was incredible! Everywhere I turned, I could smell fruit and autumn, hear laughter, and feel as if I were part of one big family of spirit lovers.” shared one of the visitors.
The expert jury echoed the same enthusiasm: “The quality of this year’s samples was exceptionally high. We tasted spirits that could easily compete on the European stage. It’s clear that distillers in Spiš and beyond work with remarkable passion for their craft.” said one of the judges.
The organisers summed up the event in simple but powerful words: “The Spiš Spirits Route was created to connect tradition, people, and the region. Over these two days, we saw that what unites us is far more than spirits — it’s culture, hospitality, and shared joy of life.”
Strong impressions from both visitors and the expert jury
Visitors left with smiles and glasses in hand. They felt they had become part of a truly special story. It was a story we all helped create together. The Spiš Spirits Route was a celebration of craftsmanship, nature’s bounty, hospitality, and the vibrant life of our region — an experience that brought people together, no matter where in Europe they came from.
It left a deep mark in the hearts of all participants. They carry memories of laughter and heartfelt conversations. They also discovered unexpected friendships and unforgettable flavours.
Every sip carried a story, every meeting brought new emotions, and every moment became a cherished experience. This was not only a celebration of spirits. It was also a celebration of life, hospitality, and the unique charm of Spiš. The region united people from different countries and cultures into one big family.
Cheers, friends — to the journey we share! We look forward to welcoming you again next year.
