Ideal environment for fruit
Fruit farming boasts a history of over 300 years in Spis. Thanks to the efforts of Maria Theresa, this tradition gained momentum, leading to fruit farming becoming a mandatory subject in local schools for several decades based on one of her decrees. Between the world wars, Count Jan Kanty Zamoyski assumed ownership of the castle estate. He initiated and established three fruit orchards beneath the castle, cultivating various apple, pear, plum, and nut cultivars. Presently, only one of these orchards remains, albeit partially, situated adjacent to the Castle DISTILLERY. Our objective is to rejuvenate the surviving trees, restoring the orchard to its former glory.
Common Bystrica Plum
A common feature in our households as a fresh fruit on the table. Often also preserved as jams or prunes. Yet, their high sugar content also makes them an ideal variety for distillation. The Bystrica plum stands out with its taste and aromatic qualities. “If you discard a plum stone, let it be in a spot where a tree can flourish from it.”
Malus Domestica
This antique apple variety remains obscure to us due to its ancient lineage. The genesis of the malus domestica remains enshrouded in mystery. We believe its roots can be traced back to the Baltic region of Russia. Ripe fruits on the tree swiftly lose their fragrance, acquiring a mealy texture and diminishing their notable pleasant taste. Owing to its esteemed value, this apple is rarely employed within households for the direct extraction of juices, or in the making of preserves, jams, dried fruits, or kvas.
Common Pear
The fruit and its juice have been recognised in folk medicine for addressing kidney stones and hypertension. Employed in cooked or baked forms as a remedy for coughs and asthma, the decoction derived from dried pears is used for treating diarrhoea. A common feature in our households as a fresh fruit on the table. Their nature makes them suitable for preservation, jams, ciders, teas, drying, and the production of wines.
Common Juniper
Rich in essential oils, juniperine, and organic acids, this fruit finds use within pharmacy settings, distilling, and as a favoured spice within households. Folk medicine values its efficacy in addressing stomach ailments, rheumatism, respiratory issues, and urinary tract diseases. The fruit, when decocted, serves as a remedy for stomach ailments, and is also known for its blood-purifying properties.
Common Bilberry
The berries are known for their sweetness and vibrant coloration, serving as a top-tier natural dye. Folk medicine uses them to address stomach ailments, anemia, and diabetes, and their juice enhances eyesight. They boost vitality and help to improve the immune system. Rich in vitamin C, beta carotene, tannins, acids, sugars, and vitamins, these berries are highly valued, not only in medicinal practices but also in households. They are frequently utilized in preservation techniques and in the crafting of juices.
Bird Cherry
Cherries possess numerous beneficial effects on the body, aiding in the cleansing of the bowels, liver, and kidneys. Their consumption enhance the digestive process. Their iodine-rich composition supports thyroid function, while their substantial calcium content contributes to bone and tooth health. Commonly consumed raw, pickled, in jams, or in cakes, these cherries are widely utilised in alcoholic beverage and spirit production.
Rubus Fruticosus - Blackberry
In folk medicine, leaf decoctions are employed to address internal bleeding, enlarged thyroid glands, and digestive issues. Renowned for purifying the body, boosting immunity, having a diuretic effect, and promoting heart health, these fruits are consumed fresh, preserved, or used in wine-making. Blackberries are prized for their ample fibre, vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B, and manganese content.
Carpathian Strawberry
The strawberry is a fruit indigenous to Europe. It was historically revered as a royal fruit, relished by the monarchy. Its distinctive taste and aroma are accompanied by a substantial vitamin content - rich in vitamins A, B, and C. Renowned as a potent antioxidant and abundant in iron, it is highly beneficial for individuals with anaemia. Brandy infused with fresh strawberries is also known to assist in alleviating kidney and bladder stones. Strawberries are a popular choice for homemade jam preparation.
Peppermint
Peppermint stands as a widely recognised medicinal herb, found in applications spanning pharmacy, perfumery, and liqueur production. In traditional medicine, its leaves are crafted into a decoction useful against stomach ailments, cramps, nervous disorders, rheumatism, and headaches. The essence of menthol derived from its essential oils offers outstanding disinfectant properties. It supports digestion while delivering a refreshing sensation.
Black Elder
In the realm of medicine, elderberry finds extensive use in addressing respiratory diseases, rheumatism, and situations that call for inducing perspiration to lower body temperature. Elderberry juice and berries serve as trusted household remedies for managing colds. Elderberry decoctions are crafted for mouth rinses, applied as poultices for varicose veins, and utilized in inhalation methods for ear infections. However, both elderflower and elderberry are toxic when raw due to the presence of sambunigrin, a toxin eliminated through heat treatment. Elderflowers and elderberries are widely employed for the production of homemade juices, wine, and syrups, with the fruits being an ingredient in the creation of jams.
The story of fruit
Fruit harvest
We select only the finest, perfectly ripe, clean, and fragrant apples.
Fruit processing
These handpicked fruits are meticulously sorted, washed, and mashed
Fermentation
before being transferred to our special stainless steel fermenters.
Distillation
Once fermented, the juice undergoes distillation using state-of-the-art Arnold Holstein equipment in our facilities.
Aging
The aging process requires some time, and is essential for a smoother taste. Following this, the spirit is diluted to achieve the desired strength.
Bottling
Prior to bottling, each bottle is purged with the spirit, ready to be savoured by our valued customers.
Tasting session
Alcohol in tiny quantities is not dangerous in any amount!