Science of Alcohol
November 14, 2021
Slovak-American Cultural Center Hosts “Science of Alcohol” Event
On November 14, 2021, the Slovak-American Cultural Center sponsored a unique presentation on the “Science of Alcohol” as part of SACC’s Science Lecture Series. In addition to a lecture, the event featured tastings of Slovak spirits, including Slovak vodka and the first-ever Slovak whiskey, samplings of artisanal klobasy, home-made “slane tycinky” (salt sticks) and other appetizers, as well as old-fashioned, in-person socializing.
The event was hosted by Wesmont Liquors G4 in Wood-Ridge, NJ, a Slovak family-owned state-of-the-art liquor store. Please consider this distinctive liquor store your new one-stop shop for traditional spirits! This month Wesmont Liquors is launching delivery and shipping just in time for the holidays! In their large portfolio they also offer unique custom-made gift baskets for any occasion. The new store management is proud to present a variety of Slovak products to the Slovak-American community here in the US. At this unique store, customers can find a variety of Slovak products such as Goral Vodka Master, Familia Vodka Premium and the first Slovak Whiskey called Nestville. These products are produced in a historical town named Stara Lubovna located near the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia.
Interestingly, the town of Stara Lubovna received the official status of “Free Royal Town” in 1343, and with it, the right for citizens to manufacture spirits, thus beginning a tradition of distilling in the region. “Our spirits are made from wheat, corn and potatoes grown on our own land in Slovakia and from the mineral-rich water originating in the Tatra Mountains—some of the best water in Europe. Our products represent the culmination of a 700-year-old local tradition of distilling, together with the purest ingredients and modern manufacturing technology.” Tourists can visit “Nestville Park” in Hniezdne, Slovakia (a 5-minute drive from Stara Lubovna) to experience the history, traditions and folk art of the local area as well as to appreciate an exhibition of modern distillation technology (http://www.nestvillewhisky.sk/sk/navstivte-nas).
What are the near-term plans for the business? “We continue to introduce new products, including the first Slovak whiskey, available in formats such as traditional, 3-year-old, 6-year-old, 9-year-old, single barrel, and flavored, a line of flavored vodkas including grapefruit, cranberry, lime and orange, fruit liqueurs, and an entirely new class of fruit-distilled spirits, sold under the label “1343.” At Wesmont Liquors G4, we plan to expand the portfolio of Slovak products offered, including Slovak beer,” explains Juraj Jaremko, the international brand ambassador for the Nestville portfolio. Check out Wesmont Liquors G4 website at www.wesmontliquorsg4.com or follow them on their social media account @wesmontliquorsG4 or stop by the spacious store to shop and attend a tasting.
Attendees of SACC’s event were also treated to delicious samples of hand-crafted Slovak klobasy produced by a budding new busines recently started by business partners Vladimir Burdelak and Elena Rodriguez. “We decided to start this business because, frankly, we couldn’t find products on the market which met our high standards. Our klobasky are made using an old family recipe and only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, and of course, using no preservatives or fillers of any kind. In addition to utilizing local spices, Slovak klobasy differ from Polish or German sausages in that the meat tends to be ground more coarsely, and therefore, is less like a hot dog and more like an artisanal sausage in which you can feel and taste the individual ingredients,” explains Elena. Vladimir and Elena plan to initially sell their klobasy at farmers’ markets and events such as the Slovak Heritage Festival. Be sure to sample these unique products when you have the opportunity!
If you missed SACC’s event, a short recap video is available to view on www.slovakamericancc.org as well as on the Slovak-American Cultural Center Facebook page. We hope to see everyone at The 28th Slovak Ball on February 26, 2022, at The Royal Manor in Garfield, NJ. Tickets go on sale on SACC’s website on December 1, 2021. The number of guests at this year’s Ball will be limited to 300, so don’t delay in buying your tickets!
