Nochino Ruby wins gold
World Drinks Awards, which aims to celebrate the very best in the global drinks industry, has announced the winners for 2024. At the gold level tier in the No & Low category is Nochino Ruby by Vlcie from Slovakia. Only three products from two producers achieved such a high rating.
"The aroma has some sharp, acidic notes akin to vinegar combined with a little herbality. There's a bit of heat on the palate, before a lingering, herbal finish," commented World Drink Awards. World Drink Awards was established in 2007 with an expert panel of judges from all over the world; there are now over 35 categories.
Nochino Ruby is a non-alcoholic aperitif with a rich and complex flavour. Sweet at first taste, the flavour morphs into a spicy warmth before settling into a herbal aftertaste. To achieve such a depth of character, Vlcie took two years to choose ingredients and perfect the production process. Finding those key ingredients was, in fact, a challenge.
“One of the biggest obstacles was finding the right suppliers who would ensure a consistent quality of raw materials. Also, product development was really challenging, as we use 21 types of herbs and spices. We originally chose and gradually selected from more than 120 types of herbs and spices,” reveals Miroslav Telehanic, co-founder of Vlcie.
After the development process, Nochino Ruby came onto the market in 2019, and has been repeatedly recognized for its great qualities and quality, earning two gold medals in 2022 from IWSC, and in 2023 has received three gold stars from Great Taste, gold from London Spirits, and silver from Spring Tasting in 2023.
Maintaining a high standard of quality is integral not only to Nochino Ruby but to all the Vlcie products. Indeed, the company started in order to provide the market with syrups made only with natural ingredients - no added flavours, colours, or preservatives.
“Our key focus has always been the quality of raw materials. We carefully select only the best ingredients from reliable suppliers. In addition, we have strict control procedures throughout the production process and invest in the latest technologies that allow us to maintain a high level of quality in our products,” says Telehanic.
The team was inspired to make Nochino Ruby so that those not partaking in alcohol could still feel comfortable, fit in, and also have something delicious to sip on when in a group setting. Slovakia has a strict policy of 0% blood alcohol level while driving, so there is often at least one in a group that can’t drink. Telehanic is also a bartender, and saw the gap in what he could offer a non-drinker.
The Cocktail Balance offers our congratulations to the team at Vlcie! We are proud to offer Nochino Ruby in our shop.
