Founded in 2018 by Dusan Stevlik and Moshe Moskovits in Vienna, Austria the Eshel Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H. is an innovative and decentralized startup. With a mission of producing premium distilled fruit spirits, Dusan and his team believe in employing transparent and sustainable standards of production. The distillery also provides support to local craftsmanship and tradition in the CEE region. 

The team at Eshel Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H. consists of experts, fanatics and risk takers who are determined to do the right thing and make fruit based spirits for the world to enjoy. The Jozsef Stevlik (Unoaked Single Plum Spirit) was the distillery’s first success story as it along with five other distilled fruit spirits from Dusan’s team found recognition at the 2021 London Spirits Competition. 

Dusan Stevlik, Source Website

The London Spirits Competition is an annual spirit judging competition that sees spirits from all over the world get rated on their quality, value and packaging. Judged by some of the United Kingdom’s most accomplished bartenders, bar managers and spirits buyers, the 2021 edition of the London Spirits Competition saw entries from 70 countries. These judges come from a distinguished list of establishments in the country with prominent careers in the beverage industry. 

The Jozsef Stevlik (Unoaked Single Plum Spirit) is a 100% plum fruit spirit made in small batches and handcrafted in the Carpathians. The Blue Damson plums provide a full and clean virgin fragrance of natural plum fruit with no additional sugar or aromas added. There is also a hint of Parma violets and a slight barnyard musk with the spirit finishing with dry fruit notes. 

The 89 points scoring silver medal winner is at the heart of the Carpathian Spring Meadow, a fruit-spirit based cocktail. To mix it up you need the following ingredients. 

Ingredients:

• Jozsef Stevlik (Unoaked Single Plum Spirit)
• Tatra mountain spring water
• Caribbean brown sugar
• Elderflower syrup
• Lime fruit
• Hand-cut ice cubes

Method:

Start with elderflower syrup and add Tatra Mountain Spring Water to it. To the mix add Caribbean brown sugar and a shot of the Jozsef Stevlik (Unoaked Single Plum Spirit). For garnish, use the mint leaves and lime fruit. 

Aside from the Jozsef Stevlik (Unoaked Single Plum Spirit), there were five other spirits from the Eshel Handelsgesellschaft m.b.H. that were awarded silver medals at the 2021 London Spirits Competition. 

The Jozsef Stevlik (Unoaked Single Apple Spirit) scored 89 points. It has notes of farmyard ciders, slight acidity, dried grass and hay along with slight hints of bramble fruits. It gives a long finish. 

The Jozsef Stevlik (Toasted Single Plum Spirit), a fruit spirit with notes of smooth and smoky plums and cinnamon scored 88 points. It closes with a fruity finish. 

The Jozsef Stevlik (Toasted Single Plum Spirit) is followed by the Jozsef Stevlik (Oaked Single Apple Spirit) which scored 88 points. It has notes of dark chocolate orange along with a slight hint of rose and honey sweetness. It is buttery on the palate and has a nice balance of acidity and sweetness. 

The list of winners is completed by the Jozsef Stevlik (Oaked Single Plum Spirit) and the Jozsef Stevlik (Toasted Single Apple Spirit).