Manufaktura Nalewek, Krosno: tasting Podkarpackie fruit liqueurs

Manufaktura Nalewek is a family producer of traditional Polish nalewki in Krosno, Podkarpackie. Nalewki, strong infusions of fruit, berries and herbs, were once the pride of every noble manor: recipes passed from generation to generation and were written down in family chronicles called “silva rerum”, and a bottle laid down at a child's christening would be opened at his or her wedding. After the Second World War the tradition declined, and today enthusiasts are reviving it, among them the Krzanowski family.

The manufactory was founded in 2013 after long family experiments with recipes. In 2014 a hall with special equipment was fitted out, in 2016 selected fruit went into the tanks for a year-long maceration, and in 2017 the first finished liqueurs were poured into the branded bottles. Today there are 29 tanks, more than 32,000 litres of nalewki and twelve flavours. The fruit comes from Podkarpackie orchards; all production, from maceration to bottling and packing, is done by hand, and some drinks mature in oak barrels.

Why go

• A production tour. You will hear how modern production combines with traditional hand methods and see the tanks and barrels where the fruit gives the drink its taste and colour. Making nalewka takes patience: the fruit macerates in spirit for months, then the liquid is drawn off, sweetened and left to mature. The manufactory waited a whole year for its first batch, so the tour shows well why a real nalewka is never quick.
• A tasting. Choose a package of three, five or seven liqueurs, or pair them with craft chocolate or snacks. Closed tastings with a tour are held for groups of 10 or more; visits must be arranged in advance.
• Buy liqueurs straight from the maker, including gift sets.

What to taste and buy

The range includes Wiśniowa furia (“Cherry Fury”) and a classic cherry liqueur, Soczysta malina (“Juicy Raspberry”), Cyknięta cytryna (lemon), gooseberry, Zakręcona żurawina (cranberry), Rozbrajający rabarbar (rhubarb), Dumny dereń (“Proud Cornel”) and Przewrotna porzeczka (blackcurrant). Do try the cornelian cherry liqueur, a fruit long grown in Podkarpackie gardens, as well as the Carpathian vodka, the Carpathian przepalanka (vodka with burnt sugar) and a spirit distilled from the liqueurs. The names are playful, but behind each is a fruit that, as the makers say, “has a story to tell”.

Practical information

Address: ul. Czajkowskiego 55a, 38-400 Krosno, in the southern part of town (Osiedle Południe), easiest by car or city bus. When: by prior arrangement only; call or write to agree the day and format. Prices (per person): 3 liqueurs 30 zł, 5 liqueurs 40 zł, 7 liqueurs 50 zł; 3 liqueurs with three chocolates 40 zł, 5 with five 50 zł; a tasting with dishes is priced individually. Contact: +48 511 425 501, [email protected]. Tastings are for adults only; if you are driving, you can buy bottles to take home.

Nearby

• Serowarnia Piastowska, aged and fermented cheeses, also in Krosno.
• Krosno old town and the Glass Heritage Centre.
• Winnica Widokowa in Kombornia with views of the Low Beskids.
• Korczyna: a chocolate café and the Prządki rock reserve.

Official website: manufakturanalewek.pl

Photos: manufakturanalewek.pl.