Spišská Pálenica: A Must See Place When Visiting the Spiš Region
The Spiš region is known for its mineral springs, legendary castles, the oldest Baroque stone distillery in Slovakia, unique natural formations, and the dramatic waters of the Dunajec River. Today, this historically rich area offers an entirely new experience — Spišská Pálenica in Stará Ľubovňa, the most modern distillery in Slovakia and one of the most advanced in Europe.
It stands out not only for its design and top-tier technology but also for the centuries-old tradition that shaped its creation.
A Region Where the Present Is Born From the Past
Stará Ľubovňa received the right to serve alcohol as early as 1343. Alcohol production expanded significantly during the 15th and 16th centuries, occurring not only on noble estates but also in the town itself.
The first written record of borovička dates back to 1778 from Spišská Belá, and historical documents indicate that this spirit was already being exported to Austria, Bohemia, and other European regions. Borovička soon became one of the most valuable trade commodities, helping Spiš rank among the wealthiest regions of its time.
In the early 20th century, the Morgenbesser family further elevated local distilling by opening a liqueur factory in Stará Ľubovňa. They produced borovička, herbal liqueurs, egg and chocolate liqueurs, rum, and slivovica. Their recipes — which achieved exceptional quality — have been preserved and remain the foundation of production today.
A Unique Production and Tasting Experience
Spišská Pálenica has revived traditional formulas with the help of state-of-the-art technology. It now produces a full range of premium fruit spirits under the Original Spišská KOSHER brand, including Original Spišská Borovička KOSHER, which received the prestigious Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) from the European Commission in 2008.
The distillery features two modern distillation units capable of processing nearly 15,000 liters of mash per day. Selected distillates mature in 300-liter wooden barrels, while the highlight of the facility is a set of 35,000-liter French oak tanks — unique in the region.
A guided tour concludes with a tasting in the traditional Spišská Krčma (Spiš Pub), offering visitors an authentic experience of the region’s finest spirits.
Cheers!
Book a time, we’ll take care of the rest.
Location: Prešovská 334, Stará Ľubovňa
Cell: +421 907 782 825
