On 2 December, an unforgettable gala evening was held in the representative premises of Strahov Monastery, during which the results of the prestigious international competition for the best spirit and liqueur - Czech National Spirits Competition 2023 - were announced. This unique event combined the exclusive atmosphere of the monastery premises with exceptional distillation artists and connoisseurs.
The Czech National Spirits Competition is a new format of public competition. Our aim is to evaluate and present registered producers of spirits and liqueurs, especially the production of craft distilleries from the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, to acquaint the professional and general public with the results of the competition for the best product, as well as with the results in individual competition categories, and to promote spirits and liqueurs from the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic both at home and abroad.
Founder of CNSC: Mgr. Mgr. Martin Krupička
Media Ambassador for the Czech Republic: Martin Dejdar
The gala evening began with a festive welcome in the library, which was conducted by the Abbot of the Royal Canonry of Strahov Monastery, ThLic. PhDr. Daniel Peter Janacek, O.Praem., PhD. The abbot's opening speech included an introduction to the history of the building, which added a cultural and historical dimension to the event.
The opening words were followed by an invitation to the monastery chapel in the Basilica of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, where a baroque concert by one of the most renowned organists in the world took place. Vladimír Roubalwho also leads the Collegium Strahoviense church choir and chamber orchestra, with which he gives concerts and accompanies all major church festivals. His concert added a touch of culture and elegance to the evening.
Video from the evening
In the winter refectory, where the visitors then moved, came the expected announcement of the winners of the third year of the competition. The founder of the competition Mgr. Martin Krupička and chairman of the expert committee Mgr. Michal Šedík together through an evening of tension and anticipation. Awards were given in various categories for Czech, Slovak, Hungarian and Bulgarian spirits.
Among others, representatives of embassies, Czech universities, the Slovak Order of the Knights of Spirits, presidents and vice-presidents of chambers of commerce and other distinguished guests were present in the hall.
During the evening, future participation and cooperation with distilleries from various countries including the People's Republic of China, Serbia, Croatia and Macedonia was discussed.
A unique distillate made from lupine was introduced, a world first. Only 10 pieces of this exceptional distillate were produced as part of the 105th anniversary of Czechoslovak independence. Three pieces of this distillate will be donated to the USA to strengthen relations with the Czechoslovak community.
The winner in the category of the best Czech distillate, Karl LIQ pear brandy, was presented with a special award including a diploma directly from the Abbot of Strahov Monastery, ThLic. PhDr. Daniel Peter Janáček, O.Praem., PhD.
The highlight of the evening came with the announcement of the absolute champion, which was the Slovak blackcurrant spirit.
The announcement of the results was followed by refreshments in the summer refectory and a tasting of all the competition samples. The piano was played by Mgr. Veronika Sluka, refreshments were provided by Restaurant Na pekle.
And how did the winners in all the individual categories turn out? You can find everything on the website Czech National Spirits Competition.
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