Fortunately Friday’s rain had not yet started as our group set off from Jávea to make our way to Alcoi for our visit to Licores Sinc S.A. which, since its foundation in 1964, has been producing and distributing artisanal liqueurs and spirits. The company does not normally run tours, so this was a unique opportunity for our U3A members.
On arrival we were taken to the board room where we could sit in comfort (and warmth!) to listen to Patri who, assisted by Maria, gave an account of the company’s history and a description of their extensive product range, which includes a wide variety of macerated and distilled drinks. Their production combines traditional methods with the most current innovation, in the company’s modern facilities of more than 10,000 m2. We then donned our hats and coats so that we were appropriately dressed to visit the factory floor!
We then had a tour of the production process, as Patri explained the process from the initial stages through to bottling, labelling and adding the final label for the government tax. Unfortunately on Friday some of the workers were carrying out a cleaning process so although Patri gave a good explanation of how it all works, we were not able to see the bottles bobbing along on the production line!
A tasting of 3 products then followed, starting with a very good brandy, and there was time for purchases in the shop.
We reboarded our coach and headed to Salem for our lunch at the Granja Casa San Miguel restaurant. Salem was not the easiest place for our driver, Louis, but he managed to negotiate a few very difficult corners, to rounds of applause! Our lunch was plentiful, accompanied with red, white or rose wine, and after thanking our hosts, Maria and Miguel, we were able to make an easier exit from Salem, before heading home again to Jávea. A very enjoyable experience on a rather wet and cold winter’s day!
Report and photos by the group leader for Spanish Culture & Cuisine, Angela Chantry.
