Tikves’ Kumova Reserve wins gold at Spirits Selection

Tikves has added another international honor to its portfolio: the grape brandy Kumova Reserve won a gold medal at the Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

Gold awarded after blind tasting by international panel

The award was decided through blind tastings conducted under controlled conditions by a carefully selected panel of international experts and professional tasters. The Spirits Selection competition evaluates spirits from around the world across multiple categories, and jurors assess entries solely on sensory quality without information about producer, origin or price.

Kumova Reserve is positioned as a premium grape brandy that combines traditional production methods with modern techniques. The distillate is made primarily from the Smederevka grape, bottled at 45% alcohol, and is aged for about three to four years in a mix of old and new oak barrels to develop complexity and depth.

On the nose, Kumova Reserve shows an intense golden colour and layered aromas of red apple, fresh grape and chocolate, with a subtle touch of vanilla. The palate is rich and smooth, featuring notes of fruit jam and well-integrated oak; the balance between alcohol and flavor produces a rounded impression with a faint bitter note on the finish.

The gold medal for Kumova Reserve adds to Tikves’ long history of international recognition. The winery averages more than 100 awards and distinctions annually, including honors at the Decanter World Wine Awards, International Wine Challenge, Mundus Vini and the Sakura Japan Women’s Wine Awards, reinforcing the presence of Macedonian craft spirits and wines on the world stage.

Photo: press material from the event