Arguably, international contests are guides for the true fans of exquisite beverages. It is there, after all, that a product’s true quality is assessed in an environment of strict expert checks and supervision; it is at those contests that a product’s character and spirit are given their due. Anyone who dares submit his beverages for professional judgement strives not only to be awarded but, and rather more than being awarded, to understand whether what he has made being driven by a creative impulse is up to world standards.
In our case, too, participation in international contests of alcoholic beverages is invariably motivated by the absolutely sincere desire to find out whether our products toe that coveted line of international quality. It is not that we are wholly taken in by that slogan which goes ‘participation over victory’, not exactly. Still, that very opportunity to find out how good what we are doing is matters more to us than any award could ever hope to do. We do not chase medals; rather, we aspire to the new summits of craftsmanship!
The London Spirits Competition is known for its incredibly demanding approaches. Each distillate presented for assessment goes through a multi-stage evaluation with not only the taste and aroma but also the quality of raw materials, production purity and originality being assessed. High scores gained in this competition are rare but once they have been had, they serve as a testament to true artistry.
The best distillation masters from the world over were assembled in London on 24-25 March 2025. We, too, had sent our samples in, essentially, out of sporting zest – to test ourselves and to gauge our level. To see how the land lies and to dip our toes in the water, as it were.
What happened next came as a surprise! We had managed something that would make Caesar go green, because we had ‘come, seen and stunned’! And were stunned ourselves, too, albeit pleasantly.
Our Tut Arağı, that is, mulberry vodka with its mild character and fine fruity notes, won the gold medal having captivated the experts with its harmony. The silver medal went to Armud Arağı, which is pear vodka: its scent of fresh pears and apples had left not a single member of the jury panel unmoved. Heyva Arağı with its inimitable quince profile and our elegant Grappolo were decorated with bronze medals.
Once again, we had not been gunning for victory. Still, that the experts gave us those high scores demonstrates that our distillates have attained excellent quality and purity to match the best international sorts and that, well, that is more important to us than any award can be.
The Savalan distillates stand out for their distinct balance of taste, vivid aroma and originality. Behind every bottle are meticulous selection of raw materials, careful distillation and a respectful nod to the traditions, now enriched by modern technology. We make no compromises inasmuch as quality is concerned. That is precisely why we come, we see and we win!
The acknowledgement granted to our distillates at such a prestigious international level proves that the path we chose is the right one. Savalan continues combining the native vine-making traditions with modern craftsmanship, and strives for perfection unwaveringly in each droplet of its creations.
We are proud that we could represent Azerbaijan with dignity in a global arena and show everyone that our drinks rank alongside the best of the world deservedly.
As you pour pear, quince or mulberry vodka in a decanter or fill the glasses with it, or as you take the first sip of Grappolo, you comprehend that you are in Azerbaijan but that, at the same time, you feel a particle of that boundless world that is so full of unexpected victories and joyous discoveries. And, friends, honestly, this is so marvellous!
Best regards,
Fuad Seyidaliyev and Arif Rahimov
Founders and Co-owners of SAVALAN-ASPI Winery