Grand Master Distiller
Honor, Tradition and Legacy at the Orujo FestivalPotes · Cantabria · Since 1984
The Figure of the Grand Master Distiller
The Grand Master Distiller is the highest honorary distinction of the Potes Orujo Festival. A title that recognizes prominent personalities from the cultural and social sphere for their commitment and connection with Liébana and Cantabria.
Every year, the Brotherhood of Orujo and the City Council designate this ambassador in charge of reading the proclamation and, in an act full of symbolism, proceed to the lighting of the alembics, marking the beginning of the distillation at the festival.
Vicente del Bosque, Grand Master Distiller 2017
The Protocol of the Festival
On the day of the festival, the Grand Master Distiller is received with honors by the Brotherhood and the authorities. Supported by the folklore of Liébana, they walk the cobbled streets of Potes amidst music, regional costumes and the warmth of the locals.
After tasting the local gastronomy, the highlight arrives: the lighting of the alembic in the Plaza de la Serna. There, in front of thousands of attendees, they share a few words and receive the affection of a region devoted to its millennial tradition.
Eduardo Noriega, Grand Master Distiller 2013
History of Grand Master Distillers
Since 1984, great personalities have been part of our history. Here you can check the complete legacy.
José Ribagorda
Periodista y presentador
Quico Taronjí
Periodista y aventurero
Carmen Machi
Actriz
Los del Río
Cantantes (Antonio Romero y Rafael Ruiz)
Sandra Ibarra
Presidenta Fundación Sandra Ibarra
Okuda San Miguel
Artista plástico
Roberto Leal
Presentador de televisión
Vicente del Bosque
Ex-seleccionador nacional de fútbol
Edurne Pasaban
Alpinista
Marta Hazas
Actriz
Carlos Herrera
Periodista
Eduardo Noriega
Actor
Berta Betanzos
Regatista olímpica
Juan Ramón Lucas
Periodista
Ruth Beitia
Atleta olímpica
David Bustamante
Cantante
Pedro Munitis Álvarez
Futbolista del Real Racing Club
Alfonso Gutiérrez Cuevas (A título póstumo)
Alcalde de Potes
Carmen Sevilla
Artista
Poty (Javier Castillo Arco)
Coreógrafo
Eduardo García de Enterría
Jurista
Jesús González Green
Reportero de TV y piloto
César Pérez de Tudela
Montañero
Juan Oyarzábal
Montañero
Sociedad Geográfica Española
Institución
Óscar Freire Gómez
Ciclista
Antonio Fernández Resines
Actor
Luis del Olmo Marote
Periodista radiofónico
Juan José Lucas Giménez
Presidente del Senado
Alfonso Ussía Muñozseca
Escritor y periodista
Manuel Fraga Iribarne
Presidente de la Xunta de Galicia
Mariano Linares Argüelles
Director del Diario Montañés
Alfredo Arias de la Canal
Mecenas de la Casa de Cultura
Florencio de la Lama Bulnes
Escritor y periodista
Manuel Peláez López
Director de Fomento
Angelines Arenillas (Nines)
Periodista gastronómico
Rafael Fuentevilla Gutiérrez
Campeón de bolos
José Manuel Abascal
Atleta olímpico
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