Tradition meets innovation with new spirit releases and an opportunity for visitors to discover the region’s distilling heritage
Algarve spirits producer Bagamel is celebrating 50 years of heritage in Silves, marking the occasion with the opening of its distillery to the public.
The company celebrated its anniversary last month, welcoming guests to its premises in Silves for an afternoon of tastings and celebrations.
Founded on November 15, 1976, by José Varela, a local producer with a passion for medronho, Bagamel – Sociedade Industrial de Bebidas Regionais do Algarve – has become known for its traditional Algarve spirits.
Among its best-known products is Castelo de Silves medronho brandy, made from the fruit of the strawberry tree. Its range also includes Phigus fig brandy, Dom Chique Melosa, Amendoeirinha and regional liqueurs made with ingredients such as carob, pennyroyal, orange, lemon and passion fruit.
Since taking ownership in 2024, Vanessa Pereira has been working to preserve the company’s heritage whilst introducing new products and ideas.
One of its latest creations is Bonanza Spicy, a gin combining citrus and spices with a spicy character inspired by Vanessa’s love of piri-piri. Developed through several trials alongside a food engineer, the gin introduces a new flavour to the company’s product range.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, Bagamel also opened its distillery to visitors, offering an opportunity to learn more about the company’s history and the traditions behind its spirits.
The new tasting space features large wooden communal tables, oak barrels and traditional distilling equipment, including copper stills that reflect the production methods used over the decades and whichwere once central to traditional spirit production.
Looking ahead, the company aims to strengthen its relationships with regional producers, expand its presence in Portugal and international markets, and introduce more visitors to the Algarve’s spirit-making traditions.
Source: The Resident.
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