1
1 CSEPP PÁLINKA
13 FENEGYEREK PÁLINKA
25
LUNCZER PÁLINKAHÁZ
37
SCHISZLER PÁLINKAHÁZ
2
ALEXANDER PÁLINKA
14 GÁBOR ÉS PÁLINKAHÁZ
26
MADARASI PÁLINKAFŐZDE
38
SCHMIEDER PÁLINKAHÁZ
3
ARANY KAPU
15 GÁTI PAPA PÁLINKAFŐZDE
27
MÁRKHÁZI PÁLINKA
39
SIKLOSSY PÁLINKA
4
BAJAI PÁLINKA FŐZDE
16 GULÁCSI PÁLINKA
28
MÁTYÁS PÁLINKAHÁZ
40
SÜMEGI PÁLINKAHÁZ
5
BÁNKI PÁLINKAHÁZ
17
29
MICHLBERGER PÁLINKAFŐZDE
41
SZICSEK PÁLINKAFŐZDE
6
BOLYHOS PÁLINKAFŐZDE
18 HARMATRÁZÓ PÁLINKAHÁZ
30
NOBILIS PÁLINKA
42
SZIGETKÖZ LELKE PÁLINKAHÁZ
7
BRILL PÁLINKAHÁZ
19 HI-GEM
31
ÖREGETESI PALÓC PÁLINKA 43 TOKAJ SPIRIT
8
BUTI PÁLINKA
20
32
PANYOLAI SZILVÓRIUM
44
VÁRDA-DRINK
9
CZETIS HÁZ PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
21 IKUN PÁLINKA
33
PINTÉR PÁLINKA
45
VITÉZ PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
10
CSALLÓ PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA 22 ISTENKÚTI PÁLINKAHÁZ
34
PRESIDENT PÁLINKA SZALON 46 ZIMEK PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
11
DESTILLERIE SCHMITZ PÁLINKAFŐZŐ
23 KEVE MANUFAKTÚRA
35
RENESZÁNSZ BADACSONYI PÁLINKAHÁZ
47
ZWACK KECSKEMÉTI PÁRLATMANUFAKTURA
12
ERŐS PÁLINKAFŐZDE
24 KÖVÉR PÁLINKA
36
SAVANYA PÁLINKAHÁZ
48
ZSOLDOS PÁLINKA
GYULAI PÁLINKA
HOLZINGER PINCÉSZET ÉS PÁLINKAHÁZ
Table of contents Time to Raise Our Glass
4
Miskolc
6
Sector Overview
10
Lifetime Achievement Award winners
12
Lifetime Achievement Award - Sándor Font
14
Lifetime Achievement Award - László Piros
15
Lifetime Achievement Award - László Varga
16
Hungary’s Best Pálinka 2020
22
Most Successful Pálinka Distilleries
24
Pálinka Distilleries in Order of Results
37
Time to raise our glass
LÁSZLÓ MIHÁLYI President of the Pálinka National Council
Last year, the Pálinka National Council launched this publication with the intention of creating a tradition. Our goal remains the same this year, so we compiled the Yearbook of the National Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition in 2020 as well. The Yearbook is the summary of the unique, official and most prestigious drinks trade fair to showcase our number one national treasure. The number of submissions shows how distilleries remain committed to quality and give priority to achieving the highest professional standards even in the most difficult times. This year was exceptional for all of us, full of challenges, and did not spare the distilleries either. Nevertheless, a record number of more than 400 entries were submitted to the competition, from a total of 48 distilleries. These are outstanding figures and results in an extremely precarious situation, for which I would like to thank all my colleagues, delegates, pálinka judges and Nébih employees. Their work ensured that all professional and legal rules were enforced, to the maximum extent possible. Also, we are grateful to Mayor Pál Veres and the Municipality and staff of the City of Miskolc for hosting and supporting our event, going the extra mile. We are proud that the county seat, a true classic on Hungary’s pálinka map due to Gönci Apricot Pálinka, a product with protected geographical indication, has served as the venue for the organoleptic examination of the Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition. Apart from that, the history of the city is intertwined with that of pálinka. A good example of that is the first president of the Pálinka National Council, the Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dr. Erzsébet Prekop Dr. Oroszné. A competition, however, is only made possible by the entrants, who placed every confidence in the contest even 2020, despite the problems hitting the sector and the unfavourable circumstances caused by the coronavirus pandemic. I would like to express my appreciation and congratulations on their achievements, too. !
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VENUE OF THE NATIONAL PÁLINKA AND GRAPE MARC PÁLINKA COMPETITION 2020:
Miskolc ONE CITY, FOUR ATMOSPHERES
THE DOWNTOWN AND THE AVAS HILL Miskolc city centre is a colourful place with cosy streets, squares with fountains, unique architecture, beautiful churches and first-class restaurants. It is home to massive events and a vibrant scene of city life, where something is always going on. One of the city’s cultural highlights is the Miskolc National Theatre, the first stone theatre built on the territory of modern Hungary hosting concerts, classical music events and the Bartók Plusz Opera Festival as well. One of the most popular parts of the city centre is Szinva Terrace with its vibrant bars and restaurants inviting culinary enthusiasts and those seeking entertainment. The Gothic Protestant Church of Avas, hiding among the trees of the 234 meters high Avas Hill towering above the city centre is a true gem of Gothic architecture. Its bell tower plays a melodic chime every quarter hour. As a standalone attraction in Europe, more than 800 wine cellars can be found along the trails leading up to the top of Avas Hill. During the regular „Borangolás” (Wine Wandering) and „Kvaterka” events live music and the sound of clinking glasses can be heard all over the hill. The 72-meter high TV tower at the Avas lookout tower provides stunning panoramic views of the city. When the weather is clear, even the Zemplén Mountains and the peaks of the Tatra Mountains can be seen from here.
MISKOLC-DIÓSGYŐR
THE SPECIALTY OF MISKOLC, LOCATED AT THE FOOT OF THE BÜKK MOUNTAINS, LIES IN ITS FOUR DISTRICTS, EACH WITH THEIR OWN DIFFERENT ATMOSPHERES. WHILE ITS DOWNTOWN IS A STRONGHOLD OF CULTURE, EVENTS AND GASTRONOMY, THE AVAS HILL, RISING ABOVE THE CITY, IS REMINISCENT OF THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD OF CENTURIES OLD WINE CELLARS. THE CASTLE OF MISKOLC-DIÓSGYŐR TAKES US BACK TO THE MIDDLE AGES, WHILE MISKOLCTAPOLCA INVITES US TO IMMERSE IN THE PLEASURES OFFERED BY ITS SPA CULTURE. MISKOLC-LILLAFÜRED, SURROUNDED BY THE FORESTS AND MEADOWS OF THE BÜKK MOUNTAINS, SET IN A PICTURESQUE ENVIRONMENT, SERVES AS BOTH A CLIMATIC THERAPY RESORT AND A DESTINATION FOR ROMANTIC GETAWAYS.
Diósgyőr is part of Miskolc, famous for its rich historical and cultural-historical past. One of its stunning attractions is Diósgyőr Castle, a traditional wedding gift for Hungarian queens. The castle invites its visitors to a time travel. Authentic period furniture, historical games and traditionalist programs with costumed animators take us on a journey back to the time of King Louis the Great of Hungary. The Knights’ Tournaments Square, built next to the medieval castle is used as a scene for traditionalist equestrian programs and concerts. The Fairy Garden behind the castle is an island of tranquility, dazzling visitors with its special beauty.
MISKOLCTAPOLCA Located at the foot of the Bükk Mountains, Miskolctapolca is the place for exclusive spa experiences, relaxation and rejuvenation. The Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca has extraordinary natural qualities, making it a unique European destination. The nature-carved caves were created over thousands of years by karst water out of limestone rocks. Bathing in the natural indoor pool, in lukewarm, caressing thermal water and enjoying the fresh, clean air is an unforgettable experience. The spa also includes a medical department with aqua therapy where guests can relax, recharge and heal. In the immediate vicinity of the Cave Bath there is also a traditional beach which will soon be expanded by a brand new, all-year-round spa complex, the Ellipsum Adventure Bath. The protected primeval park of the district lures for a walk at any time of the year. Visitors can feed swans and wild ducks at the lake where boat rental is also available. For those looking for an adrenaline rush the adventure park and a bob track under the trees is worth a try as well as the Avalon Park’s go-kart track or the Maya Playground, both providing long-lasting memories.
vertical waterfall, the Szinva waterfall can be seen. At the bottom of the waterfall lies the Anna Cave, a unique specialty, as it is one of the six limestone tufa caves of this type in the whole world. The nearby St. Stephen’s Cave offers amazing dripstone formations to view. Wonderful panoramic views can be enjoyed from the Lillafüred cable car, while the adventure park promises memorable experiences. Families are recommended to try the services of the State Forest Railways of Lillafüred: the small trains run with cosy, open wagons from spring to autumn, and with stove-heated closed wagons in winter months. The all-time favourite of kids, the Miskolc Zoo and Culture Park, home of tigers, bears, kangaroos, ring-tailed lemurs and meerkats, is just a stone’s throw away.
MISKOLC-LILLAFÜRED Situated in a picturesque setting, Lillafüred attracts thousands of tourists to Miskolc year after year, thanks to its unparalleled beauty. The Palace Hotel, reminiscent of renaissance castles and its surroundings with wonderful views awaits guests all year round. Lake Hámori, located next to the hotel is popular for boating, while in the hanging garden Hungary’s largest
M I S K O L C
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NUMBER OF DISTILLERIES ENTERING THE COMPETITION
PÁLINKA DISTILLERIES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER Brand Name of Distillery Entering the Competition
Number of Entries
Pages
4
FINAL MEDAL TABLE Pálinka Distillery
Champion
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Total medals
Pages
1 CSEPP PÁLINKA
3
8
22
2
35
26
1 CSEPP PÁLINKA
32
26
BRILL PÁLINKAHÁZ
3
3
4
1
11
54
ALEXANDER PÁLINKA
8
48
LUNCZER PÁLINKAHÁZ
2
8
24
14
49
30
ARANY KAPU
2
89
GYULAI PÁLINKA
2
4
9
6
21
38
BAJAI PÁLINKAFŐZDE
12
47
SCHISZLER PÁLINKAHÁZ
2
2
3
4
11
60
1
6
42
BÁNKI PÁLINKAHÁZ
3
77
FENEGYEREK PÁLINKA
1
3
1
BOLYHOS PÁLINKAFŐZDE
11
58
NOBILIS PÁLINKA
1
2
6
1
10
40
BRILL PÁLINKAHÁZ
8
54
IKUN PÁLINKA
1
2
2
3
8
50
BUTI PÁLINKA
8
64
BUTI PÁLINKA
1
2
4
7
64
CZETIS HÁZ PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
4
71
3
80
CSALLÓ PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
4
73
2
87
DESTILLERIE SCHMITZ PÁLINKAFŐZŐ
2
84
ZIMEK PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
8
15
6
29
34
ERŐS PÁLINKAFŐZDE
11
53
KÖVÉR PÁLINKA
3
1
3
7
52
FENEGYEREK PÁLINKA
6
42
SZIGETKÖZ LELKE PÁLINKAHÁZ
3
1
4
69
GÁBOR ÉS PÁLINKAHÁZ
3
83
VÁRDA-DRINK
2
8
6
16
56
GÁTI PAPA PÁLINKAFŐZDE
3
88
ERŐS PÁLINKAFŐZDE
2
8
1
11
53
GULÁCSI PÁLINKA
4
82
PRESIDENT PÁLINKA SZALON
2
6
1
9
44
GYULAI PÁLINKA
19
38
VITÉZ PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
2
2
1
5
70
HARMATRÁZÓ PÁLINKAHÁZ
6
46
MÁTYÁS PÁLINKAHÁZ
2
1
3
6
62
HI-GEM
7
49
BOLYHOS PÁLINKAFŐZDE
1
6
3
10
58
HOLZINGER PINCÉSZET ÉS PÁLINKAHÁZ
2
78
ZSOLDOS PÁLINKA
1
4
4
9
45
IKUN PÁLINKA
7
50
ALEXANDER PÁLINKA
1
3
4
8
48
KEVE MANUFAKTÚRA
2
86
HI-GEM
1
3
2
6
49
KÖVÉR PÁLINKA
7
52
MICHLBERGER PÁLINKAFŐZDE
1
3
1
5
67
LUNCZER PÁLINKAHÁZ
49
30
MADARASI PÁLINKAFŐZDE
1
2
7
10
68
MADARASI PÁLINKAFŐZDE
11
68
MÁRKHÁZI PÁLINKA
8
75
CZETIS HÁZ PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
1
2
1
4
71
MÁTYÁS PÁLINKAHÁZ
6
62
SZICSEK PÁLINKAFŐZDE
1
2
1
4
63
MICHLBERGER PÁLINKAFŐZDE
5
67
NOBILIS PÁLINKA
9
40
ÖREGETESI PALÓC PÁLINKA
2
80
PANYOLAI SZILVÓRIUM
16
72
PINTÉR PÁLINKA
6
90
PRESIDENT PÁLINKA SZALON
12
44
RENESZÁNSZ BADACSONYI PÁLINKAHÁZ
4
66
SAVANYA PÁLINKAHÁZ
4
76
SCHISZLER PÁLINKAHÁZ
10
60
DISTRIBUTION OF MEDALS 1 Champion
Arany Gold
1
Ezüst Silver
MEDALS TOTAL 3
Bronz Bronze
ÖREGETESI PALÓC PÁLINKA
1
1
TOKAJ SPIRIT
1
1
1
RENESZÁNSZ BADACSONYI PÁLINKAHÁZ
1
2
3
66
ZWACK KECSKEMÉTI PÁRLATMANUFAKTURA
1
2
3
79
HOLZINGER PINCÉSZET ÉS PÁLINKAHÁZ
1
1
2
78
BAJAI PÁLINKAFŐZDE
6
4
10
47
HARMATRÁZÓ PÁLINKAHÁZ
5
1
6
46
PANYOLAI SZILVÓRIUM
4
4
8
72
SCHMIEDER PÁLINKAHÁZ
3
2
5
81
CSALLÓ PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
3
3
73
GÁBOR ÉS PÁLINKAHÁZ
2
1
3
83
GULÁCSI PÁLINKA
2
1
3
82
SCHMIEDER PÁLINKAHÁZ
5
81
SIKLOSSY PÁLINKA
4
74
SIKLOSSY PÁLINKA
2
2
4
74
SÜMEGI PÁLINKAHÁZ
2
85
MÁRKHÁZI PÁLINKA
1
3
4
75
1
3
4
76
SZICSEK PÁLINKAFŐZDE
4
63
SAVANYA PÁLINKAHÁZ
SZIGETKÖZ LELKE PÁLINKAHÁZ
4
69
DESTILLERIE SCHMITZ - CSERSZEGI PÁLINKA
1
1
2
84
1
1
2
88
TOKAJ SPIRIT
1
87
GÁTI PAPA PÁLINKAFŐZDE
VÁRDA-DRINK
17
56
BÁNKI PÁLINKAHÁZ
3
3
77
VITÉZ PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
5
70
ARANY KAPU
2
2
89
2
2
86
ZIMEK PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
33
34
KEVE MANUFAKTÚRA
ZWACK KECSKEMÉTI PÁRLATMANUFAKTURA
3
79
SÜMEGI PÁLINKAHÁZ
2
2
85
46
PINTÉR PÁLINKA
1
1
90
ZSOLDOS PÁLINKA
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P Á L I N K A
D I S T I L L E R Y
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THE ANNUAL NATIONAL PÁLINKA AND GRAPE MARC PÁLINKA COMPETITION 2020
Sector overview 2020 HAS BEEN AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR FOR ALL OF US, INCLUDING OUR PÁLINKA COMMUNITY. THE SECTOR AIMED TO LEAVE BEHIND THE FACTORS NEGATIVELY AFFECTING THE PÁLINKA MARKET LIKE PUBLIC HEALTH PRODUCT TAX (NETA) OR MOONSHINING. IT HAS TO BE STATED, HOWEVER, THAT ON TOP OF NOT ACHIEVING THIS GOAL, THE DIFFICULTIES DEFINING THE FUNCTIONING OF OUR SECTOR HAVE BEEN AGGRAVATED BY THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS. EVEN COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS, ALREADY VERY CRITICAL YEAR, THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN THE QUANTITY OF LEGALLY DISTRIBUTED PÁLINKA
Written by: Géza Béli, Professional Chairman of the National Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition
By organising the National Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition, the Pálinka National Council fulfils a priority task as set out in the Pálinka Act. Once again, we have emphasized that we strive for improving the authenticity and reputation of pálinka by organising a high-level competition, so that the results achieved here shall promote top quality pálinkas on both the domestic and international markets. It goes without saying that the National Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition is an outstanding event among pálinka contests. Not only because it is organised with the aim of protecting our national treasure, pursuant to a mandate granted by law, but also because it is an event exclusively reserved to the assessment of the quality of pálinkas complying with the requirements of the Pálinka Act. Moreover, all the entries undergoing organoleptic assessment are subject to a prior chemical analysis by the Pálinka Control Authority. This test ensures that pálinkas can only get assessed by the judges if they meet the chemical limit values and that the entrants receive the results of the chemical test report in addition to the descriptive organoleptic qualification.
The 2020 National Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition was the seventh of its kind, conducted by the Pálinka National Council. The organoleptic assessment took place in the city of Miskolc, capital of the North Hungarian region. Archaeological findings show that the area of Miskolc has been inhabited since the immemorial - for more than 70,000 years. In fact, it is one of the oldest inhabited territories of Hungary and Europe as well. Nowadays the city is well-known for its industry and academic life, its natural resources and architectural heritage. Based on the university’s scientific work and on the technical background provided by businesses operating in the city, the research and development centre of the region has some cutting-edge innovations, some of them related to pálinka. Times has passed and the words of our poet, Petőfi written about the city at the Castle of Diósgyőr could not be farther from the truth: “The world is silent, quiet around me, the only sweet sound is the evening bell from far away....” Instead, Miskolc is rather an assertive, inclusive and exemplary Central European city. Its 21st
century ambition is to leave behind the myth as the city of steel and becoming the home of culture, tourism and innovation. Miskolc has regularly contributed to the positive image of pálinka, however, it was 30 years ago that it really made pálinka history. That was the moment when pálinka professional organisations decided at their conference hosted by the city that a national pálinka competition was to be established. As always, the city was up to the challenge. Once again, thank you! Hungary’s pálinka distilleries submitted 406 entries (pálinka produced for commercial distribution) to the 2020 National Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition. It has to be emphasized that this number of submissions is much higher than ever before. But as it has always been the case, this competition has a more profound message. It is the trade fair to showcase the national drink of our country, the event of selecting the best pálinka of the country, the assessment of distilleries, and the determination of the best pálinka among the drinks produced in large quantities. Last but not least the event is a declaration of the sector’s endeavour to improve the quality of marketed pálinkas, without any compromise. According to the requirements set by the pálinka sector, we selected members of the Pálinka Evaluation Committee in line with previously announced rules this year as well. As requested by the qualified jury members, PNT has organised a total of 12 organoleptic trainings in four different categories prior to the selection. These preparations included a broad introduction of pálinkas produced from different raw materials and the characteristics of special technologies used by the distilleries. It should be highlighted that the context of the examined characteristics of the applied classification system and the requirements of objective evaluation has been a subject of the trainings all along.
individually, and had information on the presented pálinkas only as permitted by the Competition Rules. Apart from allocating scores, they also had to pay special attention to the verbal assessment of pálinka characteristics. The final scores were determined on the basis of the “median principle”. Naturally, entrants of the competition are most eager to know the decisions of the Pálinka Evaluation Committee every year, just as pálinka professionals and pálinka enhusiasts. According to the Committee’s judgement, 18 pálinkas received Champion Award, and 71 gold ratings, 176 silver ratings and 113 bronze ratings were awarded. According to the approved Rules, only those members of the Evaluation Committee took part in the Champion Award selection process who had no interest in getting awards themselves, and it was their exclusive right to grant the award of “Hungary’s Best Pálinka 2020”, too. They selected a type of pálinka that has enjoyed little success lately. It is a matured grape marc pálinka, from a truly unique, historic grape variety. It is probably the most complex pálinka of the ultra premium category. One that could finally have become an icon after a long journey.
We hope that this decision will give a boost to the marketing of the usually underestimated, but high-potential grape marc with broad processing possibilities. Despite the unfortunate pandemic situation, the Organiser managed to conduct the Competition as a public event, in full compliance with the precautions. Authenticity was ensured by several factors: a public audience, a multi-level controlling system, supervision of the pálinka sector, strict Competition Rules, and the professional competence of the jury members. The Pálinka National Council is committed to facilitating the market access of quality pálinkas. Achieving this, however, requires the yearby-year improvement of the overall quality of pálinka, among other factors. This improvement has been going on for a while, without any setback. Nevertheless, future progress requires the elimination of negative effects hitting the sector. It is also crucial in terms of the future protection of our national treasure and the economic survival of its legal producers. All in all, the award-winning pálinkas of the Competition meet the maximum requirements and expectations of both pálinka professionals and consumers.
Followed by an exam as specified by the Selection Rules, 32 expert judges were invited to participate in the Pálinka Evaluation Committee. Being a member of the Committee is a great honour. The jury members performed their duty during the Competition
S E C T O R
O V E R V I E W
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ESTABLISHED BY THE PÁLINKA NATIONAL COUNCIL
“The Pálinka Lifetime Achievement Award”
Lifetime Életműachievement award díjasok winners
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FerencFerenc Pándi Pándi erenc
János SzicsekSzicsek János Jáno Já
Géza Savanya Savanya Géz Gé Géza
Péter Baráti Baráti Péter
Dr. Istvánné Bikfalvi Bikfalvi Istvánné
László Szilágyi Szilágyi László
Prekop Dr. Oroszné Dr. Erzsébet Oroszné Dr. Prekop Erzsébet
László Bolyhos Bolyhos László
Zoltán Békési Békési Zoltán
Jenő Csalló Csalló Jenő
János MártonMárton János
Sándor Sándor Lovász Lovász
THE PÁLINKA NATIONAL COUNCIL ESTABLISHED A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD IN 2016 TO RECOGNISE OUTSTANDING RESULTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PÁLINKA AND GRAPE MARC PÁLINKA CRAFT. THE AWARD REPRESENTS PROFESSIONAL AND SOCIAL RECOGNITION OF COMMITMENT TOWARDS PÁLINKA, OUR NATIONAL TREASURE.
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20 By granting this prize, the Pálinka National Council recognises the award winner’s economic, social, educational, scientific and cultural activities, highly esteemed by the public. The “Pálinka Lifetime Achievement Award” can be granted to natural persons who: • can serve as a role model due to their private and professional behaviour for members of the Hungarian pálinka sector, • contributed to the development of pálinka production and the promotion of the product by their outstanding professional competence, • significantly contributed to the education about the history of pálinka and to nurturing and keeping the craft’s traditions alive, • improved knowledge gained by previous generations through their educational or scientific work, • performed outstanding work in order to achieve a deeper understanding of pálinka, • created enduring value in terms of raw material production, fermentation and distillation
technology as well as in the field of regulatory legislation, significantly affecting the pálinka sector, • strongly promoted the domestic and international visibility of pálinka by their activities, • contributed to the strengthening of the position of quality pálinkas by quality assurance activities and quality improvement measures, • significantly improved the market access and increased the amount of consumption of pálinka via alternative and innovative methods. The following individuals and organisations are entitled to propose recipients of the award: • the minister responsible for agricultural policy, • the President of the Pálinka National Council, • any member of the Pálinka National Council via their delegates The award may be granted to maximum three professionals a year. The Pálinka National Council
undertakes to grant at least one professional. The award is handed over at the announcement of the results of the National Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition by the Minister of Agriculture or his representative and the President or Vice Presidents of the Pálinka National Council. The pálinka bottle shaped trophy is a hand-made piece of art by glass artist László Hefner, decorated with a pattern of a pálinka tasting glass. The trophy is labelled with the name of the winner, the year of the competition and the “PÁLINKA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” text. The award is accompanied by a velvet covered Certificate of Recognition which includes the winner’s name, the date of granting the award and the award’s name, “PÁLINKA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD”. There is no financial reward involved with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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L I F E T I M E
A C H I E V E M E N T
A W A R D
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Lifetime Achievement Award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sándor Font
László Piros
SÁNDOR FONT HAS DEDICATED HIS LIFE TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND TO BEING AN ADVOCATE OF
MR PIROS WAS BORN ON 27 OCTOBER 1945, ON A MISTY DAY IN PANYOLA, A PLACE KNOWN AS THE HOME
AGRICULTURE SINCE 1994, WHEN HE STARTED HIS POLITICAL CAREER AS A LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SOLTVADKERT.
OF THE SZATMÁR PLUM PÁLINKA. AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES DEFINING HIS CHILDHOOD BECAME HIS
HE IS PROUD OF BECOMING A PRESBYTER IN 1996, TWO YEARS BEFORE BECOMING A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT.
LIFELONG PROFESSION. HE USED TO WORK AS THE ADVISOR TO THE CHAIRMAN OF KOSSUTH AGRICULTURAL
HIS SIXTH CYCLE STARTED IN 2018, BUT EVEN AFTER SUCH A LONG TIME HE PUTS GREAT EMPHASIS ON PERSONAL
COOPERATIVE IN FÁBIÁNHÁZ. FOLLOWING THAT, HE WAS A CLERK OF THE SZABOLCS–SZATMÁR COUNTY
MEETINGS WHILE CONDUCTING HIS DUTIES.
COUNCIL, WHERE HE PARTICIPATED IN THE INSPECTION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE APPR. 250 SUBCONTRACT DISTILLERIES IN THE COUNTY.
He was born into a grape and fruit farmer family where typically wine and pálinka were a household staple. Not a single Sunday or family feast dinner passed without having a toast with a glass of pálinka beforehand, a spirit which his father had distilled in a distillery in Pirtó. Before the transition, there was a rule that the fee of distilling was lower if the one ordering distillation had provided their own fuel. He drove the truck trailer full of broken vineyard poles and cut wood directly from their farm so that he could return home from the distillery with fresh pálinka in the evening. For a very long time Mr Font was not aware that besides these genuine pot still (“kisüsti”) type fruit distillates the production of pálinka-like spirits closely resembling the authentic product were allowed
by contemporary legislation. These drinks were made by cold distillation, sometimes with the addition of real fruit pálinka. During his first term of office, he noticed the chaotic situation in this field: answers to various professional questions were to be found either in the Codex Alimentarius, the Customs Act, or in random agricultural decrees. As a pro-government representative, he had already been involved in serious fights against the continuous increase of the excise duty on subcontract distilling with the leadership of the Ministry of Finance at the time. Back then, he compiled a 12-point proposal together with the leaders of the National Association of Fruit Pálinka Distillers, in order to distinguish genuine fruit pálinkas from dodgy booze. It is a fun fact that even though Péter Zwack was in opposition then, 11 out of the 12 points of their proposal got approved by Mihály Varga, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Finance at the time. No doubt that this was the beginning of a new era: within one year, 3040 distilleries had received their marketing authorisation, and the supply of various excellent fruit pálinkas had seen a massive boost at the stores. Later on, between 2002 and 2004, as an opposition party representative, Mr Font was again actively involved in talks with EU officials to achieve the reduction of the applied tax rate to its half for subcontract distilleries.
He also fought to ensure that the name “pálinka” could only be used by Hungary. In 2009, as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Agriculture, he initiated a single Pálinka Act to replace the fragmented regulations, and called for the establishment of a body governing the sector and advising on professional matters. The resulting body is the Pálinka National Council. To summarize, he is someone who could never leave pálinka behind, as his life is intertwined with that of the sector. He is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Agriculture and Chairman of the Subcommittee for Grape, Wine and Pálinka. In 2001 he was elected President of the National Association of Fruit Pálinka Distillers, and has served as the president to the association and its legal successor, the National Association of Pálinka Distillers, ever since. In addition, he has been a member of the Hungarian Pálinka Order since 2004. He considers his family the greatest personal success of his life, with his marriage being a lasting union of several decades. He used to wear one piece of a pair of earrings matching the one worn by his wife, as a symbol of their bond. The traditions of his family and wider community support his beliefs, and he strives for passing these on to his three children and four grandchildren.
Upon leaving his home region, he was involved in a much larger task while working at the Department of Economics of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food: he worked on the winding-up of national food companies and trusts, thus enabling the autonomy of factories. Later on, he was responsible for exercising the ownership rights of the already independent stateowned companies, including spirits companies. This was the beginning of the era when he has been closely involved in the world of pálinka for the following years. It could be said that he could never escape the lure of pálinka ever since. In 1983 he was the leader of a group preparing a proposal to allow subcontract distillation for individual businesses in state-owned and cooperative-owned distilleries, even if only by using a cauldron of up to 500 litres. Thus, the number of subcontract distilleries operating this way had increased dramatically, and their number already exceeded one thousand by the transition era. In addition to technical needs, he also paid attention to improving the knowledge of educated distillers. Under his supervision, the system of responsible plant management qualification of distilleries was developed as a result of the dedicated work of the team of qualified and excellent specialists of the Spirits Industry Research Institute (SZEKUTI). As SZEKUTI was one of the key figures of distillery education, they started organising and conducting pálinka competitions to satisfy the ever-increasing demand. Pálinka competitions gained
enormous popularity, and became a national competition. At the request of the organiser of the Gyula Festival, the event was moved to Gyula, but has remained under the supervision of ÉFOSZ (National Association of Food Processors). As Secretary General of the National Association of Food Processors, Mr Piros was actively involved in resolving issues concerning the association. As that the Spirits Industry Association was a member organisation of the association, he also coordinated the establishment of the National Interest Community of Fruit Pálinka Distilleries, which started its operation with more than 500 members. In 1989, in recognition of his efforts, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Order of Merit for Labour. In 2004, the Association of Hungarian Pálinka Order of Knights was established for the purpose of creating and nurturing traditions. He is not only a founding member, but had also been the head of the Association and Grand Master until 2016. Upon stepping down, he was granted the lifelong honorary Grand Master title, and has been a permanent participant in the meetings of the Knights’ Council ever since. He organised and conducted pálinka tastings in Brussels for the European Commission, Members of Parliament and the EU Food Association. He was actively involved in the campaign where the leaders of the pálinka sector and the members of the Government had a meeting in Békés and discussed the possibilities for the future of pálinka. This was
L I F E T I M E
the event where the possibility of creating a standalone pálinka act first emerged. Subsequently, Mr Piros took part in drafting the law, submitting the proposal to Parliament and organising party support. In 2008, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic. In 2009, he was granted the Order of Merit for Hungarian Pálinka. After his involvement in drafting the Pálinka Act, he obviously participated in the establishment of the institution of the Pálinka National Council. He was the Vice President in the first term of PNT, and currently he is involved in the work of the Council as the representative of the Hungarian Pálinka Order of Knights. He repeatedly expressed his „ars poetica” that the aim of establishing the Order of Knights was to create a civilized consumption of pálinka, to boost quality, and to bring pálinka out of the railway station bars and serve it at the table of civil salons. As usual, he was successful in his efforts.
A C H I E V E M E N T
A W A R D
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Lifetime Achievement Award L á s z l ó Va r g a LÁSZLÓ VARGA WAS BORN IN CSETÉNY ON MARCH 15, 1947, AS THE YOUNGEST OF 11 SIBLINGS. HIS FATHER WAS A MINER, AND HIS MOTHER A HOME-MAKER. HE USED TO VISIT THE VILLAGE’S PÁLINKA DISTILLERY IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WITH HIS FATHER.THE FRAGRANCES LINGERING AROUND THE DISTILLERY LURED HIM ALREADY AS A CHILD AND MADE HIM WANT TO WORK IN A PLACE LIKE THAT. NEVER IN HIS WILDEST DREAMS, HOWEVER, COULD HE IMAGINE THAT ONE DAY HE WOULD MAKE HIS LIVING FROM DISTILLING PÁLINKA.
While he was working as an electrician at the plant of the Dudar coal mine he got a job opportunity at the Csetény pálinka distillery of Zirc “ÁFÉSZ” (General Consumption and Sales Cooperative). During the transition period, he rented the distillery as a sole proprietor, and in 1994 he bought it, using his pre-emption right. He established the company “Bakonyi Íz- és Párlat Kft” (Bakony Flavour and Spirits Ltd.) that still operates as a family business to this day. The success of the family comes from pálinka and their committed work.
Mr Varga firmly believes that guests and customers should always be given a product that they are happy with. The fruits of the region, the forests of Bakony and careful fruit processing enabled this aspiration, and the company took advantage of these opportunities. The predecessors from his homeland knew already what kind of fruit to grow: the best options are high-sugar plums, pears, and apricots. The finest and most special pálinkas can be obtained from old varieties such as the distillery’s signature specialty, Elenka pear. Mr Varga started his commercial activity at the encouragement of his greatest mentor and friend, Dr. Sándor Kopátsy, a renowned economist. His advices have always been followed, as in the case of producing pálinkas from Bakony fruits. This is how blackthorn, zwetschge plum and rosehip pálinkas were born. Wild cherry, medlar, hawthorn, cornelian cherry or even wild pear pálinka has a prominent history in the life of the distillery. Currently, almost 20 varieties of wild fruit are distilled using traditional technology but their
greatest pride is the pálinka made from chequers fruit. One of their flagship products is the ”Pálinka of Kings”. This unparalleled great specialty, famous for its extraordinary aroma and taste, comes in numbered, sandblasted glass bottles, valued also as collectibles. The Csetény Pálinka Distillery is a prominent venue of pálinka culture, and the master of the distillery never runs out of pálinka-related anecdotes. As the saying goes, behind every successful man there is a woman. In case of Mr Varga, there are three of them: without his wife Irénke and their daughters Ella and Dia, creating the pálinka miracles from Bakony would not have been possible. In 2016, János Áder, the President of the Republic of Hungary, granted the Golden Cross of Merit of the Republic of Hungary to the master, recognising his 35 years of dedicated work of pálinka manufacturing, with special emphasis on being the master of a distillery producing excellent wild fruit pálinkas, following the finest traditions of Hungarian pálinka making.
Members of the Pálinka Evaluation Committee of the 2020 National Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition:
Krisztián Balogh
Sándor Erős
János Mokrán
Károly Berényi
Attila Gazdag
Attila Nagy
Sándor Bognár
József Hornung
László Nagygyörgy
Gabriella Borbáth
Zoltán Hornung
Józsefné Németh
Botond Borsos
András Kovács
Csaba György Schmieder
Gergő Csalló
Gábor Kovács
Ferenc Szabó
Zsolt Dömötör
Győző Kovács
Sándor Szabó
Dr. István Gyenesei
Katalin Drabant Kovácsné
Dániel Szikora
Dr. Csaba Rauf
Endre Köves
Bálint Szőke
Judit Drotár
Sándor Krizsai
Zoltán Voicz
István Mihalik
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Members of the Preparation Committee of the National Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition: Krisztian Éger Viktória Kárpáti Dorina Kovács Imre Rónyai-Sass
Mónika Rónyai-Sass Iliján Szimeonov László Vellner
Members of the Appraisal Committee of the National Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition: Máté Balogh Gábor Barta Orsolya Boncsér Fanni Cserháti
Edit Krizl Mónika Ledő József Muth László Nagy József Németh
Márta Papp Csaba Györgyné Schmieder Zsuzsanna Szigeti Beáta Vasas
Presidency of the National Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition: László Mihályi, President of the Competition Géza Béli, Professional Chairman of the Competition Kálmán Mészáros, Chairman of the Appraisal Committee of the Competition Mihály Madár, Chairman of the Preparation Committee of the Competition Ákos Szokolics, Head of Marketing and Communications of the Competition
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Hungary’s best pálinka 2020
Kadarka Grape Marc Pálinka The aroma shows amazing grape marc varietal characteristics which are constantly intensified by aeration, opening up to their fullest after sufficient time. Reveals a richly spiced self while remaining a bit shy about its mature barrel notes. Oriental spices arrive with a hint of vanilla on the palate, followed by rather distinct coconut and cloves notes. The exotic adventures finish with cocoa and coffee, before it finally reaches its own typicity with the ripe, oily tones of grape marc, the slightly astringent bitterness of grape seeds and velvety fruit skin. The pálinka is in smooth harmony with the barrel. Far from stifling each other, the blue grape marc and the natural aromas of the barrel rather intensify each other by their own character. An extremely complex pálinka; it is not simply grape-based but it is blue grape-based from a Kadarka variety that arrived in Hungary’s territory from the South hundreds of years ago. It is a true grape marc with all the positive features of its kind, enriched with all the science behind maturation. A pálinka from the dawn of modern pálinka history to the thrillingly distant future of pálinka dreams. Géza Béli, Professional Chairman of the Grape Marc Pálinka Competition Vintage:
2007 Alcohol content (% V/V):
40% Medals:
Gold medal and Champion award
H U N G A R Y ’ S
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Hungary’s best batches over 10 000 bottles, 2020
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka Characterisation: Perfumed and fresh on the nose. Enticing aromas with intense lychee and rose notes typical of the variety, a full and harmonious bouquet. Elegant and long finish, full-bodied, fruity and somewhat sweet with a fine touch of seed oil character and muscat. A harmonious, complex, excellent pálinka. Vintage
2018 Alcohol content (% V/V):
44% Medal:
Gold medal
H U N G A R Y ’ S
B E S T
B A T C H E S
O V E R
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HUNGARY’S MOST SUCCESSFUL PÁLINKA DISTILLERY 2020 – 1st Place 1 CSEPP PÁLINKA web: www.1csepppalinka.hu; e-mail: domotor@1csepppalinka.hu; address: H-9437 Hegykő, Fertő u. 084/74 hrsz. A single drop of pure fruit The 106-year-old Machine House was refurbished as a pálinka distillery in Hegykő in the Fertő-Hanság National Park. They combine old traditions of pálinka distilling with the most recent technology, within a family environment. Their goal is to produce premium spirits, not motivated by the inherited technology but the highest standards. ”We consider ourselves an artisan gastronomy enterprise and not an industrial one. We always aim to handle the fruits with utmost humility, and we constantly train ourselves to gain in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of the field. We are proud to say that each bottle of 1 Csepp (1 Drop) contains only impeccable, medal-winning pálinkas.”
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS:
Quince Pálinka Characterisation: Reminiscent of quince on the nose, an astringent, spicy, citrus, minty aroma with hints of honey and cinnamon and a prominent skin character. In addition to quince compote, it also shows a prominent citrus character on the palate, with woody, slightly pungent, spicy flavours. A long-lasting finish, a harmonious, excellent pálinka. Vintage
2019 Alcohol content (% V/V):
40% Medals:
Gold medal and Champion award
Zenit Grape Pálinka
Irsai Grape - Williams Pear Pálinka
Characterisation: Fresh grape flower on the nose, with thin-skinned varietal character. The taste also reflects floral notes, the sweet flavour is supported by grape seed and mild muscat tones.
Characterisation: Pleasantly perfumed aroma, with prominent Irsai grape notes. A strong citrus, orange zest, with hints of berry fruits and delicate floral character. Intense muscat taste with notes of orange zest, bitter seeds, herbs, bitter chocolate, and marzipan. The taste also shows a prominent grape character, with slight bitter notes and grape marc-like finish.
Vintage:
2017
Vintage: 2017
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Alcohol content (% V/V):
Medal: Gold
Medal:
medal and Champion award
40%
Arany medal and Champion award
L E G E R E D M É N Y E S B B
P Á L I N K A F Ő Z D E
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ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT:
ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT:
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE BOTTLE
ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT(% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Sour Cherry Pálinka
40
Gold
Lively, distinctive, fresh and crisp on the nose, sour cherry is surrounded by rich sour cherry candy notes, cocoa, vanilla and other spices with a hint of slight white floral notes. The taste is dominated by chocolate and marzipan notes and it is pleasantly sweet and delicious. It gives a full mouthfeel with a long finish and the lingering aftertaste of kernels.
Besztercei Plum Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
Light, sweet, floral, a little dull on the nose. A fresh taste with fruity notes but fades quickly.
Besztercei Plum Pálinka
40
2017
Silver
A complex, floral, spicy aroma with just a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. The taste is a bit bold but reveals its complexity and a slight kernel bitterness.
Hegykői Plum Pálinka
40
2018
Silver
It opens slowly with floral and light cinnamon notes. The palate is characteristically spicy, with a chocolatey, watery aftertaste. A pleasant, nice, but quite ordinary pálinka.
Blackberry Pálinka
40
2018
Silver
A fairly fragrant nose full of fruit. In addition to the forest herbs, honey and citrus notes, a slight soapiness appears. On the palate it is full, round, the chocolate, honey, waxy notes are accompanied by mild seed oil flavours and slight pungency. Although the aroma is beautiful and overall elegant, it quickly evaporates.
Blackcurrant Pálinka
40
2018
Silver
The nose is fresh, airy, fruity, herbal, reminiscent of the slight bitterness of dark chocolate; woody notes with hints of honey, spicy pepper, and forest mushrooms. The taste is more delicate laced with spicy, fruity, minty notes. It leaves a decently long, pleasant mouthfeel.
2019
Penyigei Matured Plum Pálinka
40
2015
Gold
After an intense, waxy opening vanilla notes pop up on the nose. This waxiness permeates the taste with fragrant notes and red-fruity flavours on the finish.
Penyigei Plum Pálinka
40
2018
Gold
The nose is dominated by unmistakable varietal characteristics, clove, and intense notes. Pleasant to taste, elegant, with an intense kernel flavour in the aftertaste; a well-balanced, round, elegant pálinka.
Blackcurrant Pálinka
40
2019
Gold
Vivid, full-bodied, with well-recognisable features of the fruit. A lively vibrant nose that is a tad overwhelming. Full-bodied, with a pleasant, long-lasting aftertaste. An excellent product with a brilliant balance.
Hegykői Grape Marc Pálinka 40
2015
Gold
Sweet and splendidly floral on the nose, with charming muscat notes. Beautifully complex on the palate with a long-lasting finish.
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
40
2018
Silver
Hegykői Apple Pálinka
40
2017
Silver
The nose is dominated by slightly sweet, anise notes while the taste is reminiscent of compote. The fruitiness is in harmony with the waxy notes of apple. A harmonious drink with a medium finish.
Light citrus notes, a fresh, pleasant aroma. Citrus is also dominant on the palate. The muscat variety character appears beautifully with a lovely fruity finish. Quite lovely but far from extraordinary.
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
Matured Golden Apple Pálinka
40
2015
Silver
With its smoky vanilla notes on the nose, maturation is clearly recognisable and blends nicely with the honey-like, slightly waxy, floral notes of the apple variety. On the palate the flavours deriving from the maturation overshadow the fruity traits.
Powerful opening with the fruit variety clearly recognisable on the nose. The slightly waxy, muscat, rosy scents are pleasantly complemented by citrus and lemongrass tones reminiscent of grapefruit. The taste is clearly dominated by these citrus notes while its muscat spiciness is captivating. The walnut flavour is accompanied by a hint of kernel oiliness. The taste lingers in the mouth. An accessible, elegant drink.
Hegykői Pear pálinka
40
2019
Silver
Slightly reminiscent of wild pear with green herbal, crisp, grassy notes and lovely fruit aromas of the pear on the nose. The taste is pleasantly sweet with a hint of honey. A harmonious pálinka with a fascinating character.
Kékfrankos Grape Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
The aroma is marked by distinctive blue grape notes with a slight raisiny tinge. On the palate, the spiciness of the variety blends with a lovely sweet taste.
Turán Grape Pálinka
40
2017
Silver
Williams Pear pálinka
40
2018
Silver
It opens slowly on the nose with a delicate, distinct varietal character. On the palate it is a thick, full, medium-lasting, harmonious pálinka.
Robust, intense, full-bodied aroma with waxy, honey-like, earthy, herbal, slightly peppery, forest mushroom notes. The taste is expressive, the skin character dominates. Honey, light dark chocolate and herbal notes also appear. A complex pálinka with a pleasant mouthfeel and a long finish.
Williams Pear pálinka
40
2019
Silver
The nose shows the floral characteristics of the variety with a slightly creamy elegance which disappears on the palate and transforms into a very pronounced bitterness.
Hegykői Grape Marc Pálinka 50
2017
Silver
Sour Cherry pálinka
40
2017
Silver
Understated, sweet, floral notes with a hint of marzipan. In addition to the subtle fruitiness with marzipan notes, there is an astringent and slightly bitter taste, dominated by strong pungency.
Fragrant, perfumey, herbal, mint notes dominate, accompanied by grape marc and seedy tones, complemented by floral, muscat, honey, fresh grape notes. The taste is reminiscent of old-school grape marc, pungent with a bit of seed oil, intense spiciness with hints of pepper, allspice and walnut leaves. A tinge of dried fruit also appears on the finish. Leaves a lingering taste in the mouth.
Apricot pálinka
40
2018
Silver
Although a bit shy on the nose, the apricot notes are clearly recognisable. Spices, orange peel, pleasant flower and compote notes, slightly reminiscent of rose. The taste is dominated by jam, nicely floral with a hint of marzipan, complemented by a pungent, peppery character. With medium finish and intensity, it is more vigorous on the palate than on the nose.
Black Cherry-Raspberry
40
2019
Silver
Luscious raspberry dominates the nose: it is lovely, never turning intrusive. The taste also shows sweet, tiny greenish notes with a medium finish.
Quince - Penyigei Plum 40 pálinka
2016
Silver
The nose gently reveals the complexity of various notes. The palate is pleasantly fruity and shows savoury notes with a slight kernel bitterness.
Zenit Grape - Black Cherry
40
2016
Silver
The nose is fruity, floral, light but volatile. The taste is dominated by sweet astringency, with a spicy almond finish.
40
2018
Bronze
The compote-like, spicy character shows up delicately on the nose. Rich, spicy, fruity on the palate with a rather short, pungent, minty finish.
Irsai Olivér Grape Marc 40 Pálinka
2018
Bronze
The varietal characteristics are discernible but somewhat restrained on the nose. The aroma is honey-like, rosy and a bit heavy with the oiliness of the seeds. The grape marc notes are more pronounced on the palate with a distinct skin and seed character while the nose shows minty, greenish, stalk-like notes. The flavours reminiscent of walnuts and gold raisins make it easy to consume.
Apricot pálinka
Penyigei Plum pálinka
40
40
2019
2019
Silver
Silver
In its spicy nature, the airiness of the apricot blossom shows charming jam notes. The palate is surprisingly creamy with intense milk chocolate flavours and faint bitter almond undertones. A pleasant, decent pálinka with a short finish. The varietal character is clearly recognisable, with intense spicy, jammy, fruity notes. The palate displays marzipan with moderate jam notes. A harmonious, lovely, round drink.
Pálinka
Pálinka Quince Pálinka
L E G E R E D M É N Y E S B B
P Á L I N K A F Ő Z D E
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HUNGARY’S MOST SUCCESSFUL PÁLINKA DISTILLERY 2020 – 2nd Place LUNCZER PÁLINKAHÁZ web: www.lunczerpalinkahaz.hu e-mail: lunczerpalinkahaz@gmail.com address: H-2612 Kosd, Erzsébet u.11
Pálinka reloaded. Essentials, blends, and cigar spirits. Our bottles are full of fruits and creativity as we firmly believe that pálinka is way more than it seems at first. Respecting our traditions, we aim to present as many of its facets as possible. We create new taste experiences, new harmonies so that every generation can discover they like because we know that everyone can have a favourite drink. Pálinka belongs to us all. Lunczer Pálinkaház, from the very heart of the Danube Bend.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Szomolyai Black Cherry Pálinka
Premium Black Chokeberry Pálinka
Characterisation: A beautiful, full fruity aroma with slightly floral, gentle marzipan and spicy cinnamon with vanilla notes. On the palate ripe, full-bodied, showing varietal characteristics, with a luscious, beautiful long finish and hints of marzipan.
Characterisation: A smoky, spicy aroma on the nose with marzipan and herbs on the finish. Fruity flavours, with wild, earthy, herbal, woody, pine-like harmonies on the palate. A perfect harmony of aroma and flavour.
Vintage:
Vintage:
2019
2020
Alcohol content (% V/V):
Alcohol content (% V/V):
46%
44%
Medals:
Medals:
Gold medal and Champion award
Gold medal and Champion award
H U N G A R Y ’ S
M O S T
S U C C E S S F U L
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D I S T I L L E R Y
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ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT:
ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT:
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE BOTTLE
ALCOHOL CONTENT (% V/V)
VINTAGE
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE BOTTLE
ALCOHOL CONTENT (% V/V)
VINTAGE
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Williams Pear pálinka
46
2019
Gold
Lovely mature, fresh Williams pear notes on the nose. The varietal character of the fruit is clearly recognisable. The palate is ripe, sweet, elegant with a varietal finish.
Premium Sour Cherry Pálinka
44
2020
Silver
The nose displays intense kernels surrounded by delicate sweet, marzipan accents. Intense kernel flavours on the palate, the fruit faintly emerges in the aftertaste.
Gold
A blend of waxy, marzipan and fruity notes on the nose. The taste shows classy marzipan with soft vanilla notes. Striking and long finish. It is worth giving her some time to show off her charm. Elegant, harmonious and complex.
Optimus Williams Pear Pálinka
66
2019
Silver
Sweet, compote notes, moderate, alcoholic on the nose. Spicy and sweet on the palate, generous fruit notes blend harmoniously with the alcoholic pungency.
2018
Silver
The skin adds an intense waxiness to the aroma, blended with floral citrus and pronounced marzipan notes. On the palate, the intense skin astringency is paired with sweet, marzipan notes. A pálinka that offers a remarkable experience.
Optimus Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka
66
Gold
A vigorous nose with citrusy, floral notes and distinct hints of cinnamon trailing in the background gives this pálinka a vivacious, brisk character. Marzipan and chocolatey notes on the palate, followed by a short finish.
Optimus Wild Pear Pálinka
66
2018
Silver
Delightful pear notes with delicate spices and citrus on the nose. Nice and bold on the palate, with a slightly pungent, waxy, fruity finish. A harmonious, captivating pálinka.
Cserszegi Grape Marc Pálinka
48
2017
Silver
Sweet, spicy, slightly greenish notes followed by the fragrance of muscat. A generous mouthfeel with spicy and tannic notes and seed oil flavours.
Zöld Veltelini Grape Pálinka
44
2016
Silver
The grape variety is clearly recognisable on the nose. The waxiness with lime and light mint notes and astringent accents provide an overall thrilling blend. In addition to the raisin and citrus bitterness characteristic of the variety, a flavour component reminiscent of wine lees also clearly appear on the palate. A pálinka with a rich aroma and a lovely overall impression.
2019
Bronze
The fruit variety is barely recognisable; the barrel character is quite overwhelming. Slightly tannic, astringent with a mouthfeel of jam. An agreeable, pleasant, decent pálinka.
Premium Blackthorn Pálinka 46
Premium Rowan Pálinka
44
2019
Aszú Grape Marc Pálinka
48
2017
Gold
On the nose the grape embraces the botrytis-like character with subtle gracefulness, accompanied by a walnut finish. On the palate, the sweet, raisin-like, mouth-filling walnut character hides with alcohol support. An exceptional, rare pálinka.
Premium Blackcurrant Pálinka
44
2019
Gold
The aroma displays medicinal, grassy, wild notes characteristic of the fruit. Long-lasting herbal flavours make it a charming, round, beautiful pálinka.
Kieffer Pear Pálinka
44
2019
Gold
Honey-like, seductively waxy aroma with dense and chewy notes. On the palate it gives a velvety sensation with a slightly buttery, sweet, long-lasting citrus taste. A pálinka that offers an extraordinary experience.
Barrique Plum Pálinka
52
Premium Quince Pálinka
44
2019
Silver
An expressive nose, reminiscent of unripe fruit, accompanied by notes of green grass and grapefruit. The taste is also dominated by the scents of unripe fruit, accompanied by note
Bedded Apricot Pálinka
2019
Silver
A true joy of fruity and floral notes, a lush, delightful nose rich in raspberry. A vibrant, perfumey aroma. Raspberry and red fruits dominate the palate, with a tinge of seed oiliness and a slightly greenish character with a faintly bitter, earthy finish.
40
2019
Bronze
Obscure aromas with elusive fruit notes. The fruit bed dominates the taste, followed by a bitter aftertaste.
Bedded Sour Cherry Pálinka 40
2019
Bronze
The aroma of coffee appears in the nose but the overall impression tired, oxidised and difficult to recognize. It opens with a pleasant acidity on the palate, but the dried sour cherry flavours fail to appear.
Premium Peach Pálinka
46
2019
Bronze
The nose evokes the unripe, green fruit with discernible muscat and honey, flower and faint marzipan notes. The palate is sweet, jammy, slightly pungent with mild liquorice notes. Highly alcoholic and lacks lasting substance.
Blackberry-Raspberry Fruit Pálinka
44
Grape - Quince Fruit Pálinka
46
2019
Silver
The nose is dominated by citrus notes accompanied by crisp, pleasant fruity notes. On the palate, the quince character is in balance with the Irsai notes. A pleasant, lovely pálinka with a medium finish.
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
44
2019
Bronze
Premium Raspberry Pálinka
42
2019
Silver
The nose is perfumed but rather understated. A pleasant, characteristically sweet raspberry flavour with a touch of seed oiliness on a medium finish. Harmonious and round but lacks intensity.
Beautifully recognisable, elegant acacia variety character appears mildly on the nose. The palate displays overripe notes, so the aftertaste lacks freshness and fragrance.
Lepotica Plum Pálinka
46
2019
Bronze
Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka
44
2019
Silver
Pleasantly fruity, sour cherry nose with a whiff of chocolate and cocoa notes. The taste is slightly alcoholic, pungent but fits the character and fruit variety pleasantly.
The nose is quite subtle, more variety-specific intensity would be welcome. It opens with a slight pungency on the palate, with a fruity, jammy finish. It is adequate in its harmony.
Esszencia Apple Pálinka
66
2017
Bronze
Premium Elderberry Pálinka
46
2019
Silver
It opens with expressive, spicy chocolate notes, followed by a minty, herbal, fruity varietal flavour. An elegant, unassuming, pleasant pálinka.
The nose displays cinnamon, compote, a dash of baked apple notes with a whiff of sour notes and excessive smokiness. The taste is medicinal, sweetly bitter, liqueur-like with an overly aggressive high alcohol content.
2017
Bronze
46
2019
Silver
Pleasant floral and jammy notes on the nose. A captivating, seductive, crisp, expressive aroma complemented by a whiff of citrus notes. The palate is full-bodied, vibrant, with a deep, long jammy finish. A complex, well-balanced pálinka.
Esszencia Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka
66
Premium Apricot Pálinka
Liqueur, caramel, cocoa notes with a hint of sour cherry on the nose. Medicinal, alcoholic on the palate that unpleasantly stings and obscures the fruit.
Sour Cherry-Raspberry Fruit Pálinka
44
2020
Bronze
Modest, faint spicy, muscat and raspberry notes on the nose. A spicy, scratchy, somewhat sweet pálinka on the palate.
Optimus Apricot Pálinka
66
2019
Bronze
The nose faintly evokes the fragrance of apricot, in addition to the slightly spicy, citrusy, compote-like notes. Subtle rose scents emerge as well but the alcohol crassly stifles the pleasant aroma. The palate is rather jammy, sweetly sour, unpleasantly alcoholic. It tastes nicer than it smells.
Optimus Blackthorn Pálinka
66
2018
Bronze
The fruit is clearly recognisable on the nose, pleasantly floral, herbal with almond, marzipan and slightly woody dark chocolate notes, also a bit reminiscent of plum flesh. In addition to the generous fruitiness, pleasant marzipan and bitter chocolate notes appear on the palate. However, the scratchy sensation coming from the high alcohol content spoils the overall impression. It has a long finish but the high alcohol content spoils the balance.
Bedded Golden Apple Pálinka
46
2019
Silver
The fruit is recognisable but understated on the nose. A bit dull and lacks character. The taste is long, sweet, pleasantly astringent, quite pleasing.
Premium Wild Pear Pálinka
46
2019
Silver
Intense and vivid nose with a hint of honey. The astringency of the wild pear is unmistakable on the palate, laced with pleasantly sweet notes. Overall a harmonious, lovely pálinka.
Plum Pálinka
46
2019
Silver
A bit restrained on the nose but the floral, sweet notes unfold pleasantly and display a light muscat and seed character. The taste is also dominated by sweetness, later replaced by a pronounced cinnamony kernel character. A pleasant, harmonious drink with a long finish.
Pölöskei Grape Pálinka
44
2019
Silver
The aroma is slightly restrained with raisiny, muscat, spicy notes that also dominate the taste. A harmonious, pleasant, exhilarating pálinka.
Premium Plum Pálinka
66
2019
Bronze
Sweet notes of Christmas gingerbread with cinnamon and cloves on the nose. It could be spicier on the palate, the pungency of cinnamon dominates. A pleasant, decent drink.
Premium Blackberry Pálinka 44
2018
Silver
It opens with the medium intensity characteristic of the variety. A slight spiciness can also be detected with a light mineral, soapy finish. Strong herbal, spicy flavours with faint earthy notes. Somewhat short on the finish but a pleasant pálinka after all.
Premium Redcurrant Pálinka 44
2019
Bronze
The fruit variety is recognisable in the aroma, the astringent, sour, slightly herbal, woody notes are rather moderate. Medium intensity on the palate but the flavour is intense, reminiscent of fruit jam. With its astringent lightness, it evokes the taste of a currant cake. The short finish fails to provide a lasting experience.
Premium Apple Pálinka
46
2019
Silver
It opens with a fresh, light floral aroma, gently followed by citrus notes. The taste is pleasantly astringent, with mild cinnamon and spice notes and a hint of sweetness.
Cserszegi Grape Pálinka
2016
Bronze
The characteristic spiciness of the variety is undeniably recognisable but it lacks freshness. After a pleasantly sweet opening it leaves an odd soapiness in the throat. An acceptable, ordinary pálinka.
Bigarreau Cherry Pálinka
44
2019
Silver
The nose shows chocolate notes with traces of almond. The palate is full of sweet, seductive, overripe, candy-like, slightly bitter notes. A harmonious, round, excellent pálinka.
Elena Plum Pálinka
46
2019
Silver
Slowly opening floral, muscat notes on the nose with a well-defined varietal character. Distinct waxy notes of the skin on the palate with faint kernel notes on the finish.
Stanley Plum Pálinka
46
2019
Silver
Light, airy, discernible fruity notes but overall the aroma lacks intensity. The varietal characteristics are clearly recognisable without being too intense. Generous marzipan notes on the palate. A pleasant yet somewhat ordinary pálinka.
Irsai Olivér Grape Marc Pálinka
48
2019
Silver
The grape marc notes somewhat obscure the fragrant Irsai character on the nose. The taste is spicy with seed oil and a little tight. In the aftertaste, the pungency suggests high alcohol content but the grape marc tones linger in the throat.
Esszencia Plum Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
A lovely gleaming colour with a slight cognac character that shows pleasant prune notes. The palate is layered with light fruity acidity and dark chocolate notes. A pálinka with a pleasant, crisp aroma.
Esszencia Quince Pálinka
66
2019
Silver
The nose displays ample citrus notes surrounded by the vanilla undertones of the barrel. The palate is excessively sweet yet the harmonious combination of oaky and fruity notes lingers. A pleasant, lovely pálinka.
44
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ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT:
HUNGARY’S MOST SUCCESSFUL PÁLINKA DISTILLERY 2020 – 3rd place
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
ZIMEK PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA Web: www.zimekpalinka.hu e-mail: info@zimekpalinka.hu address: H-8621 Zamárdi, Endrédi út 061/24 hrsz. Zimek Pálinka Manufactory has been operating in Zamárdi since 2005. From the very beginning, the company has focused on processing fruits grown in the region of Lake Balaton. They use only the finest fruits for their pálinkas, and the result is outstanding quality. Their products are subject to the strictest quality requirements so that they could produce high quality pálinkas. It goes without saying that the products of Zimek Pálinka Manufactory do not contain any added sugar or other artificial or natural aromas. The pálinkas produced under the Zimek brand have gained huge recognition in the last fifteen years among consumers liking pálinka and professional jury members understanding pálinka. The company has achieved outstanding results in many domestic and international competitions. It has won the Pálinka Distillery of the Year Award three times (2006, 2007, 2010) and was a national winner twice at the international Destillata distillate competition (2007, 2010). In the last two years, they won the 3rd and 2nd place of Hungary’s Most Successful Pálinka Distillery award in 2018 and 2019, respectively, at the National Pálinka and Grape Marc Pálinka Competition. Apart from constantly developing its products, the distillery is also developing its capacities to become a quality production manufactory in terms of infrastructure as well. The owners are committed to this development, too. Their goal is to increase the popularity, awareness and recognition of their premium products in both the domestic and international markets in the future.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Plum Pálinka
Red Williams Pear Pálinka
Distinctive floral and muscat tones with spicy accents on the nose, typical of the fruit variety. The palate shows sweet, spicy notes, characteristic of the kernel. A harmonious product with a long finish.
Vivid, spicy on the nose with prominent sweet, floral tones. The flavour shows all the characteristics of Williams pear, with a rich, lush fruity taste. A harmonious, fine pálinka.
Vintage:
2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): Medal:
40%
Gold medal
2019
40
2020
Gold
Intense herbal varietal aroma, sweet, minty, floral notes on the palate. An elegant and harmonious product.
Sour Cherry Pálinka
40
2019
Gold
A lovely composition of fruity, spicy, herbal notes. The slightly astringent character evolves into dark chocolate notes. A harmonious pálinka with a long finish.
Sour Cherry Pálinka
55
2019
Gold
Fresh, floral, marzipan notes on the nose. It opens with a sweet and slightly sour flavour, laced with chocolate and candy notes. A complex, delightful pálinka.
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
40
2019
Gold
A seductive nose with lively fruitiness, crisp citrus, pleasant rosy notes slightly reminiscent of lychees, with a tinge of raisin. The palate is full-bodied, the varietal character clearly shows, it is waxy, muscat-like, reminiscent of nectar with a slight seed-oiliness. It gives a complex experience; a cheerful and youthful, balanced, harmonious, pleasant product.
Wild Cherry Pálinka
40
2018
Gold
It opens slowly with chocolate, cocoa, marzipan, and clove notes. On the palate, the herbal chocolate shows a slight seed character. A harmonious, excellent pálinka.
Irsai Olivér Grape Marc 40 Pálinka
2017
Gold
Distinct varietal character on the nose: in addition to the grape marc and woody notes, seed oil and skin character, the honey-like, fresh scents of the grape also appear. The palate is expressive, spicy, muscat-like with citrusy and woody notes and pleasant seed-oiliness. Seductive in both taste and aroma, the flavours and scents are in harmony, the finish is long and intensely fruity.
Quince Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
It opens with pleasant, floral citrus notes that evolve nicely into sweet, honey notes. The citrus notes are more subtle on the palate, with an intense, full-bodied, slightly bitter aftertaste.
Blackberry pálinka
40
2018
Silver
This blackberry pálinka intensely displays the signature characteristics of the fruit with abundant floral notes. An expressive fruit character on the palate. A harmonious, pleasant product.
Golden Pálinka
Delicious
Apple 40
2018
Silver
Unmistakable ripe Golden apple character on the nose. Delicately spicy with a hint of cinnamon and pleasant citrus notes. The palate is light, fresh and crisp, pleasantly herbal and citrusy. A pleasing mouthfeel, nicely rounded but with a short finish.
Golden Pálinka
Delicious
Apple 40
2019
Silver
The nose is fruity, reminiscent of fresh white blossoms, herbs and vanilla. Pleasantly sweet, almost marzipan-like. The palate shows intense skin character with pungent, waxy notes, with spicy, nice compote accents. A long finish with a lingering bitterness that is somewhat dominant. The aroma tops the taste.
Raspberry Pálinka
40
2020
Silver
The intense aroma and fruitiness of the raspberry practically explode in the glass. Fresh, sweet notes and a light herbal finish add to the complexity. The palate is more restrained but the sweet and bitter flavours of the seed oil are discernible. A harmonious, accessible, attractive pálinka.
Sour Cherry Pálinka
40
2014
Silver
It opens slowly on the nose but with distinguishable red fruity, mostly raspberry notes. A slight pungency and an overripe varietal character on the palate.
Sour Cherry Pálinka
40
2018
Silver
The nose is a blend of crisp fruitiness with mild marzipan notes and a hint of fruity sourness. The palate is chocolate and marzipan with a spicy aftertaste.
Sour Cherry Pálinka
40
2020
Silver
Medium intensity on the nose with elegant, floral notes. The palate displays linden with distinct fruity and a hint of sweet notes. A fresh, harmonious, pleasant product.
Mahaleb Cherry Pálinka
60
2020
Silver
A fresh perfume combined with the bouquet of an oriental spice basket, complemented by stem notes. Long-lasting marzipan on the palate with a slight alcoholic pungency. A pleasant, agreeable pálinka.
Plum Pálinka
55
2019
Silver
Intense fresh, floral, soft plum tones on the nose. A slightly pungent, distinctive kernel character on the palate.
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
55
2019
Silver
The nose is characteristic of the variety, sufficiently intense, seductive, light with muscat-like, floral, rosy notes; however, a bit suppressed by high alcohol content. In addition to the well-known varietal characteristics, pleasant grapefruit notes appear, layered with a whiff of honey and light seedy bitterness. A full-bodied pálinka with a rich mouthfeel.
Grape-Black Sour Cherry 40 Pálinka
2018
Silver
Wildflower, honey, waxy notes on the nose. Cocoa, a hint of chocolate and kernel tones on the palate.
Édes3as Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
It opens with a pleasant sensation, the fruits unfold with floral notes. The taste is cinnamony, sweet, round, with a light kernel finish.
Barrel Aged Grape Marc 40 Pálinka
2014
Silver
A lovely blend of grape and barrel tones on the nose, with a well-defined spicy elegance. On the palate the grape notes and barrel tones appear distinctly in harmony with aszú and chocolate accents.
Barrel Aged Apple Pálinka
40
2018
Silver
The nose is pleasantly spicy with distinct sweetness. On the palate, characteristic apple notes blend with discreet waxiness.
Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka
40
2020
Bronze
The nose is restrained, reluctant to open, the astringent, a slight candy character gives a twist to the sour notes. The taste is dominated by kernel bitterness and marzipan, accompanied by an almond overtone and a short finish.
Cherry Pálinka
40
2018
Bronze
The fruit variety is recognisable on the nose but quite reminiscent of cooked compote with overripe notes. Expressive kernel notes in the taste.
Apple 55
2019
Bronze
Pleasantly sweet, moderately spicy, apPLE COMPOTE NOTES WITH SOME waxiness and excessive alcohol. The taste is also a bit heavy on the alcohol which pushes the character into the background. A pleasant but ordinary product.
Pear Pálinka
40
2019
Bronze
On the nose the characteristic pear notes do not open easily but they are discernible. Slightly bitter and greenish astringent finish on the finish.
Apricot Pálinka
55
2019
Bronze
Sufficiently fruity, jam-like. On the palate, the fruit pops up first, followed by a long bitter aftertaste. An ordinary product.
Wild Peach Pálinka
40
2019
Bronze
It opens somewhat slowly, slightly restrained and bitter. On the palate astringent, herbal tones with a slightly pungent finish.
Delicious
Alcohol content (% V/V): 45% Medal:
DESCRIPTION
Blackcurrant Pálinka
Golden Pálinka
Vintage:
MEDAL
Gold medal H U N G A R Y ’ S
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Pálinka Distilleries in Order of Results
GYULAI PÁLINKA web: www.gyulaipalinka.hu e-mail: info@gyulaipalinka.hu address: H-5700 Gyula, Külterület 0272/168
In 1731, Baron János Harruckern founded the region’s first pálinka distillery in the Gyula Castle. Keeping this nearly 300-year-old tradition, we make our premium products from excellent ingredients grown in our 15-acre orchard. Thanks to the dedication and professional humility of our master distillers, we are one of the country’s most renowned pálinka manufacturers. Our beautiful tasting house is looking forward to serving our pálinka enthusiast guests.
Gyulai Bedded Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Vintage:
Characterisation: Crisp, fresh, lively, distinctly fruity notes unfold on the nose. Chocolate and liquor cherry characters are prominent in the taste. Fruity, with a nice, bitter kernel finish. A harmonious, round, desirable drink.
2019 Alcohol content (% V/V):
38% Medals:
Gold medal and Champion award
Gyulai Raspberry Pálinka A pleasant, fruity variety-specific character on the nose. The aroma is perfumed, and extremely intense. Constantly widening on the palate, revealing with a long, fruity finish. A harmonious, seductive, excellent drink. Vintage:
2019 Alcohol content (% V/V):
42%
ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V) Gyulai Bedded Plum Pálinka 38 2018 Gyulai Cabernet Franc Grape 42 Marc Pálinka Gyulai Plum Pálinka 42 Gyulai Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka Gyulai Fragrant Grape Pálinka
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Gold
Sufficiently vivid with clove and vanilla notes and a hint of honey on the nose. The fresh and fruity character is discernible on the palate as well. A soft, round, elegant, harmonious pálinka. The nose is characteristically woody, spicy, the varietal notes blend with the alcohol. A characteristic, complex, expressive grape marc aftertaste. Overall an elegant, excellent pálinka with a long finish. The nose opens slowly with waxy, citrusy notes and a subtle kernel character. The taste is sweet with spicy undertones. It opens pleasantly with astringent tones on the finish. A complex pálinka. The nose is spicy, a bit overdone with a restrained varietal character. Distinct characters on the palate, mixed with chocolate candy notes. Marzipan lingers in the long aftertaste. Discreet opening on the nose but the overall impression changes quickly. The waxy, fruity, sweet notes are complemented by honey and grape flower scents. Crisp aroma, a playful composition of muscat and spicy notes. A pleasant seed tone spiced up with a tinge of raisin on the finish. An overall harmonious, sophisticated, elegant pálinka. Sweet compote and citrus notes, expressive but not intrusive. Generous, pleasant taste with a slightly bitter finish. Overall a harmonious, agreeable, polished pálinka. The nose displays the astringency of the fruit but the kernel character is excessive. The varietal wild notes show up beautifully. On the palate tart, intense, pleasant marzipan notes with a medium finish. Harsh smokiness alternates with spicy notes on the nose. Robust sour cherry tones on the palate with medium intensity. Overall a harmonious pálinka, but not excellent. Spicy, fresh notes reminiscent of pepper, liquorice and anise captivate the consumer. The taste is a little restrained, soft, the aftertaste is somewhat brief. The nose opens reluctantly, the fruit is recognisable but with very subdued notes. The taste is slightly bitter but the fruit character is discernible. A full-bodied, elegant, vigorous pálinka. Vanilla, woody, floral notes on the nose but the barrel tones are excessive. In the taste, the harmony between the barrel and the fruit is a bit better developed. Overall a harmonious, balanced beautiful pálinka. On the nose citrus notes, fresh, pleasant but somewhat vague. Recognisable notes on the palate but the flavours fade away quickly. A decent, agreeable pálinka. Expressive, marzipan-like, vibrant notes predominate. On the palate sweet, slightly sticky notes of the overripe fruit. A bit bland, adequate pálinka. Citrus is barely detectable on the nose, waxy green notes are more prominent. The taste is markedly bitter, pungent, with unripe varietal tones. The nose is restrained, neutral with faint plum notes. The taste is somewhat bland, the sweet flavour and the kernel character are slow to open. A pleasant, decent pálinka. On the nose the rich notes of apricot compote remain discernible despite the high alcohol content. On the palate the sweet, slightly boiled notes fit in with the high alcohol content but vanish with a short aftertaste. The nose is waxy, fruity, with a hint of cinnamon and intense vanilla notes. The palate shows slightly sour and waxy notes through a medium finish.
2011
Gold
2018
Silver
42
2018
Silver
42
2018
Silver
Medal:
Gyulai Quince Pálinka
42
2019
Silver
Gold medal és Champion award
Gyulai Wild Cherry Pálinka
42
2019
Silver
Gyulai Mahaleb Cherry Pálinka Gyulai Blackcurrant Pálinka
42
2019
Silver
42
2016
Silver
Gyulai Mélyvíz Williams Pear 60 Pálinka Gyulai Matured Plum Pálinka 42
2018
Silver
2012
Silver
Gyulai Apricot Pálinka
42
2018
Bronze
Gyulai Szomolyai Black 42 Cherry Pálinka Gyulai Williams Pear Pálinka 42
2018
Bronze
2018
Bronze
Gyulai Mélyvíz Plum Pálinka
60
2018
Bronze
Gyulai Mélyvíz Apricot Pálinka Gyulai Matured Apple Pálinka
60
2019
Bronze
42
2012
Bronze
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NOBILIS PÁLINKAFARM web: www.nobilispalinka.hu e-mail: info@nobilispalinka.hu address: H-2066, Szár, József A. u. 066 hrsz.
Nobilis Matured Plum Pálinka
At the foot of the Vértes Hills lies a tiny village: Szár. Even at first glance, it radiates tranquillity, where people live in close harmony with nature and each other. This harmony, together with respect for the profession, characterises the creative activity of Nobilis Pálinka Farm, right from the growing of fruits through the harvest to the distillation of pálinka. Nobilis Pálinka Farm is a chronicle of lost times, written by the pálinka master, where pálinka is the time encapsulated in the fruit, preserving the taste and aroma of the years, so that the memories could be recalled at any time. Despite our short professional history of only 9 years, we have earned our consumers recognition, and the most prestigious professional awards as well, including the Master-Class Distillery title of the World Spirits Award competition.
Characterisation: A lovely vanilla hint on the nose, with sweet, dry and spicy (cloves, cinnamon) notes, resulting in a typical plum character. Pleasing on the palate, a soft, sweet and enjoyable flavour with harmonious hints of wax. Vintage:
2019
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Alkoholfok (V/V %):
40% Medal:
Gold medal
Nobilis Williams Pear Pálinka Characterisation: A beautiful, sweet perfume pops up on the nose with a pleasant, spicy floral character. It fills the mouth with a full-bodied, compote-like, almost muscat character. Vintage:
2019 Alcohol content (% V/V):
40% Medal:
Gold medal and Champion award
ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Nobilis Plum Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
The nose is astringent with prominent skin character and mild floral accents. The palate is sweet, spicy, with a touch of hazelnut and slightly woody notes. A thrilling pálinka.
Nobilis Cherry Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
The nose opens with cherry blossom notes which later turn into a chocolate character. The palate is dominated by sweet honey and mild caramel notes. A pleasant, harmonious pálinka.
Nobilis Apricot Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
The aroma is composed of fresh, floral notes with seductive crispiness. The taste is dominated by jam notes. The aromas and flavours are in perfect harmony, offering an impressively long finish.
Nobilis Bedded Sour Cherry 40 Pálinka
2018
Silver
The nose is astringent, spicy, seductive, with a cognac colour. It is astringent on the palate and citrusy acidity in the aftertaste
Nobilis Blackcurrant Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
A pleasantly recognisable varietal character on the nose with a light herbal touch. Pungent, bitter, neutral notes on the palate renders it ordinary.
Nobilis Irsai Olivér Grape 40 Pálinka
2019
Silver
It opens slowly with varietal, spicy notes and some reticence. The palate displays slightly overripe, raisined grape tones, slightly spoiling its crispiness.
Nobilis Sour Cherry Pálinka
2018
Bronze
The fruit is recognisable but lacks character. The taste is pleasantly fruity with a marzipan finish. An everyday, delightful pálinka.
40
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FENEGYEREK PÁLINKA web: www.fenegyerek.com e-mail: p.gabor@fenegyerek.com address: H-8620 Zamárdi Vasút u.-Hársfa u. corner
Those familiar with Gábor Pach, the inventor of the brand and his position and role in the pálinka sector, know exactly where the name comes from. It is “Fenegyerek”, the Hungarian for “dare-devil”, because he often pushes the boundaries, being almost reckless, expressing his ideas in an honest and determined manner. The brand and its quality were reserved for the visitors of his private distillery for a long time. His well-balanced performance at the international Destillata competition in 2016 made him return to Zamárdi as a National Winner. He has been working there ever since, developing his products and successfully teaching the science of pálinka distillation in his very own dedicated, reckless and unconstrained way, always trying to pass his knowledge as efficiently as possible, while touching people’s heart and soul. Two years ago, the decision was made to make Fenegyerek Pálinka a commercial brand and introduce it primarily around Lake Balaton.
LEGEREDMÉNYESEBB TERMÉKEK
St. Lucie Cherry 68% Fenegyerek Pálinka Characterisation: Shows enticing chocolate characters on the nose. Hints of marzipan and herbs can also be detected. The finish reveals a very elegant, lovely product with a deep character. Vintage
2020
Fenegyerek Grape Marc Pálinka
Fenegyerek Multi-fruit Pálinka
Characterisation: Intense, fresh, muscat-like grape notes appear on the nose. Pleasing perfume tones. Hints of characteristic walnut and hazelnut kernels, somewhat pungent, giving a nice, long finish.
Characterisation: Fresh, floral notes with the sweetness of red berries on the nose. Sweet and spicy on the palate, with a long finish. A harmonious, complex and fine drink.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Medal: Gold
Medal: Gold
medal
medal
Alcohol content (% V/V):
68% Medal:
Gold medal and Champion award
ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Fenegyerek Irsai Olivér 68% 68 Grape Pálinka
2020
Silver
The nose displays faint rosy notes characteristic of Irsai. On the palate the sweetish skin and seed flavours intensify due to the high alcohol content. A long, full-bodied finish.
Fenegyerek Sour Cherry 40 Pálinka
2020
Bronze
The nose displays the cocoa and marzipan notes of wild cherry; however, the marzipan tones of the kernels are overly dominant and a slightly pungent, sulphur-like off-odour also appears. Mild marzipan, pleasant chocolate flavours reminiscent of mahaleb cherries, accentuated with a slightly woody, greenish taste on the palate. A short finish that fades quickly.
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PRESIDENT PÁLINKA SZALON
ZSOLDOS PÁLINKA
web: www.presidentpalinka.hu e-mail: falconhof@gmail.com address: H-2823 Vértessomló, Gesztesi út 1.
web: www.zsoldospalinka.hu e-mail: kovacs.gabor@zsoldospalinka.hu address: H-5430 Tiszaföldvár Túri út 2.
PRESIDENT Pálinka Szalon is a unique pálinka distillery in Hungary, inviting visitors to take part in the pálinka making process in an exclusive environment, offering high-quality pálinkas. Our goal is to promote a civilized pálinka consumption, both for our domestic and international guests.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
POur pálinka distillery was established in 2015 in Tiszaföldvár. Our distillery works with a single-circuit column system. Our master distillers use organoleptic testing to control distillation in the electrically heated cauldron so that the highest quality pálinka can be made from the fruit mash. The high quality of the raw material is guaranteed by our reliable, long-term partners, thus supporting the best of the local fruit-growers. Year after year, our satisfied subcontract distillers come back to us, for our mashing advice service. We believe that good pálinka is a true culinary experience. Our commercial production is divided between our own products and subcontract manufacturing. Our biggest success so far has been the international competition result of our Irsai Oliver Grape Pálinka, which earned a gold rating at the IWSC. We are grateful that our consumers, customers, suppliers and professional partners have helped us to achieve this, and we are looking forward to their cooperation, interest and professional opinion in the future as well.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Barrique Johanna Furmint Grape Pálinka
Aszú-bedded Barrique Grape Pálinka
Zsoldos Redcurrant Pálinka
Zsoldos Apricot Pálinka
Characterisation: Prominent ripe, sweet raisin notes on the nose, with a slightly green finish. On the palate, waxy and sweet raisin notes are accompanied by smoky hints of vanilla from maturation.
Characterisation: Sweet, raisin notes on the nose, underlined with a nice furmint character. Well-matured. Prominent sweet flavours, followed by spicy, raisin notes. An excellent, harmonious pálinka.
Characterisation: Prominent varietal, spicy notes on the nose, in addition to herbal, spicy anise notes, with an elegant, long finish. A beautifully complex, outstanding pálinka.
Characterisation: Amazing blossom notes on the nose, and fresh summer hints mixed with the light acidity of sun-dried apricots. A slightly tannic astringency and a dry mouth-feel on the finish.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2017
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 41%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 41%
Alcohol content (% V/V):
Medal: Gold
Medal: Gold
medal
Furmint
medal
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CONTENT (% VINTAGE BOTTLE V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Johanna Pálinka
2019
Silver
The nose is dominated by varietal, vivid floral notes. The taste is complex, slightly mineral, pleasant with sweet notes. A harmonious product.
41
2019
Silver
The nose shows citrusy, green herbal spiciness discreetly in the glass. The palate displays the varietal character of the fruit beautifully but the finish is slightly short.
Furmint Grape - Elderberry 41 Pálinka
2019
Silver
Pleasant, fruity acidity on the nose with a whiff of seed oil tones and woody, earthy notes. The taste is rather astringent, sour, rounded off by the sweet flavours and pleasant cocoa accents. Elderberry dominates both taste and aroma. An agreeable, pleasant pálinka.
Furmint Grape - Quince 41 Mixed Fruit Pálinka
2019
Silver
Furmint Grape – Blackthorn 41 Mixed Fruit Pálinka
2019
Johanna Furmint Marc Pálinka
2019
Grape 45
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
Lepotica Plum Pálinka
Grape 41 41
40% Medal: Gold medal
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40% Medal: Silver
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT:
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: Furmint
- 2018
2019
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Apple Pálinka
40
2018
Silver
The nose is slightly closed and takes time to open and show its moderately spicy notes. The taste is neutral with intense spiciness.
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
40
2017-2018- Silver 2019
The floral character alternates with citrus aromas on the nose. The taste is sweet with ripe notes and a raisiny finish.
Esküvő Apple-Quince Fruit 40 ’Wedding’ Pálinka
2020
Silver
Fruity and citrusy notes mingle on the nose in subtle harmony with the acids. Vivid fruitiness on the palate, offering an average harmony in the mouthfeel.
The nose displays quince compote notes with spicy, floral, citrusy, slightly sour tones. Quince compote, citrus and grape-notes show on the palate. Overall, the product reveals rich flavours and aromas, with a delicate nose and deep, full-bodied palate.
Zsoldos Cherry Pálinka
40
2018-2019
Bronze
Silver
Medium intensity of flower, honey, grape, perfume notes on the nose. The palate is sweet with faint bitter accents, complemented by a tart, marzipan finish.
The nose is aloof, slightly restrained but with expressive sweet fruity notes. Slight pungency on the palate, with varietal chocolate character. A decent product.
Zsoldos Sour Cherry Pálinka 40
2017-2018
Bronze
Overripe tones on the nose and very reluctant to open. On the palate, the fruit character appears modestly.
Silver
Restrained on the nose, with faint spicy, grapy and raisiny notes. The taste shows distinct grape marc notes with a discernible varietal character. The finish is sweet and bitter with mature notes.
Zsoldos Plum Pálinka
40
2017-2018
Bronze
The nose is pure and floral. The taste is restrained with a plain fruit character and faint kernel notes.
Matured Apple Pálinka
40
2020
Bronze
The nose is closed, reluctant to open, with dominant barrel tones. The fruitiness is recognisable but the barrel dominates the palate. An adequate product.
Bronze
A slight varietal character on the nose and a sweet, somewhat short finish with bitter chocolate tones.
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HARMATRÁZÓ PÁLINKAHÁZ
BAJAI PÁLINKA web: www.bajaipalinkafozde.hu e-mail: bajaipalinka@gmail.com address: H-6500 Baja, Nagy I. u.44.
web: -www.harmatrazo.hu e-mail: info@harmatrazo.hu address: H-2737 Ceglédbercel, 047/21 hrsz. Our company has been a commercial pálinka distillery since 2009. Over the years, we have strived to ensure that the raw materials come from our own plantation, and - with the exception of grapes - we have already managed to achieve this goal. Strawberry pálinka is our most recent product, we have been producing it for 3 years and it has become very popular within this short time-frame.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Since its establishment in 2015, Bajai Pálinka Kft. has been serving their subcontract distilling customers from the region, wishing to consume their own pálinkas and distillates. In our plant, we offer a full range of services to our partners, from fruit processing to professional fermentation. The process of distillation can be followed on the site by those wanting to monitor the path of their drink through the system. The company started its commercial activities in 2017, with their first portfolio of 20 traditional, pot still (“kisüsti”) pálinkas. Later on, the product range was expanded to 24. Responding to market demands, our current offer includes even more products, as we have added more specialty pálinkas, so our partners could choose from nearly 30 products across the country. Our pálinkas are unique, artisan products, and we only produce limited quantities, as we always work with selected, food-grade ingredients. Our drinks get bottled and distributed only after a year of rest and maturation.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Harmatrázó Hajnal Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
Harmatrázó Strawberry Pálinka Characterisation: Clearly recognisable fruit notes, with fresh, light hints of strawberry. Could be a bit more intense on the palate, but shows enticing spiciness and earthy notes as well. A pleasing pálinka with a long finish, but still not outstanding.
Characterisation: Prominent white flowers and lychee on the nose, but lime is also recognisable. On the palate, the muscat character comes with an astringent freshness, but slips away quickly. A harmonious, lovely drink.
Vintage: 2020
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 45%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Medal: Silver
Medal: Silver
medal
medal
ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE TENT (% V/V)
Harmatrázó Hajnal Raspber- 40 ry-Cherry Pálinka
Harmatrázó Apricot Pálinka
Harmatrázó Gypsy Cherry Pálinka Harmatrázó Pálinka
45
2020
2020
Characterisation: Following light, floral notes, variety-specific spicy cinnamon hints emerge. A lovely, succulent flavour, with no outstanding alcohol marks. Prominent, spicy chocolate tones. A pleasing, fine drink.
Characterisation: Complex, spicy and fresh, pungent pepper notes on the nose, with a somewhat short finish. Reminiscent of woody, slightly earthy forest notes. A pleasing drink with an unexpectedly short finish.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 43%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 43%
Medal: Silver
Medal: Silver
medal
medal
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
43
2019
Silver
Cserszegi Fűszeres Grape 43 Marc Pálinka
2019
Silver
Mulberry Pálinka
43
2019
Silver
The nose is rich and expressive, the sweet and jammy fruitiness of apricots is complemented by rosy, slightly peach-like, citrusy notes with a whiff of honey. On the palate it evokes overripe fruit and intense jam notes with a moderately full mouthfeel. The finish is long with lingering jammy tones. It leaves the impression of a rather bold pálinka.
Elderberry Pálinka
43
2019
Silver
Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka
43
2019
Bronze
Apricot Pálinka
43
2019
Bronze
Wild Apple Pálinka Black Chokeberry Pálinka
43 43
2019 2019
Bronze Bronze
On the nose variety-specific, slightly dull, flat, fragrant notes. It unfolds on the palate, starting with a little sweetness leading to a light seed oily finish. The variety is clearly recognisable on the nose, the grape marc and fruity notes are nicely balanced, with pleasantly spicy, floral, slightly greenish notes reminiscent of oily seeds. The grape marc character is more pronounced in the taste, with pleasant seedy tones, waxy, honeyed, astringent tones, accompanied by a toasted seed aftertaste. Grapes are prominent on the nose, while grape marc dominates the palate. Robust, spicy, fruity notes on the nose, the palate displays roasted almond tones with a captivating, slightly seedy and bitter aftertaste. The aroma could be more intense but overall it is a lovely, agreeable pálinka. Variety-specific green herbal notes with a whiff of cocoa on the nose. On the palate, the fruit character carries more herbal notes than cocoa flavours. The varietal character is detectable on the nose, with moderate sour cherry candy flavours. The taste is less fruity with a short finish. A decent pálinka. The fruit variety is discernible but the nose opens slowly with slightly spicy notes. On the palate a sweet jam character is predominant. A pleasant, passable drink. The aroma is composed of moderate, neutral, sour, waxy, seedy notes. The taste is woody, spicy, with a medium finish. On the nose spicy notes, herbal, herbaceous notes blend with deeper tones. Fruit flavours are followed by a long bitter aftertaste, making it a passable drink.
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Silver
Lavish raspberry on the nose surrounded by marzipan, woody, floral, slightly herbal, tangerine and reddish fruit-like notes. Intense, almost perfumed. The palate has generous fresh fruit notes of raspberry, pleasant marzipan tones and a pronounced seed character with a whiff of cocoa powder. The finish is long with lingering seedy accents.
Silver
Blackcurrant Pálinka
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE BOTTLE
ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE BOTTLE
Katinka Plum Pálinka
Sour 45
2019
Silver
The nose is dull, oxidized, boiled, with little varietal character. The taste displays lovely kernel tones and sweet spicy, chocolate notes. A long finish with prominent kernel and marzipan accents.
Quince-Apple 45
2019
Bronze
The vivid quince tones suppress the other scent components, a bit citrusy with just enough compote notes. The palate is sweet with an alcoholic and pungent finish.
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ALEXANDER PÁLINKA
HI-GEM
web: www.alexanderpalinka.hu e-mail: iroda@alexanderpalinka.hu address: H-2030 Érd, Budai út 15.
web: www.higempalinka.hu e-mail: info@higem.hu address: H-9545 Jánosháza Hrsz. 0254/9.
Founded in 2015, the Alexander Pálinkaház is a real success story of pálinka making. The family-owned business is run by two female pálinka masters which is unprecedented in Hungary. Thanks to their meticulous work and unique approach, their pálinka captivates a wide range of pálinka enthusiasts with its excellent flavour, aroma, purity and packaging. The family-run company has set the goal to become one of the key players of domestic pálinka production. As their medals and awards show, they are on the right track.
HI-GEM is a family business of nearly 40 years, active in multiple fields. Our pálinka is made in a distillery in Jánosháza, Vas County. The quality is guaranteed by the mash made of hand-picked, selected, ripe fruits with great expertise, as well as the work of a well-trained master distiller.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
Miléna Grape-Raspberry Fruit Pálinka
Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
Characterisation: Perfumed, floral, citrus fresh and crisp on the nose, reminiscent of fresh fruit. A flavour characteristic of seed, complementing the skin astringency on the palate.
Characterisation: A lovely, sweet spiciness on the nose followed by honey and wildflower flavours. A sweet aroma, intense mouth-feel with slight raspberry notes, resulting in a harmonious pálinka with a long finish.
Characterisation: A typical rosy aroma on the nose, without showing off. Fresh, crisp, muscat characters can also be recognised. Sweet and pleasant on the palate, but pungent in the throat. A nice, mature grape drink which could do with a longer finish.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Characterisation: Reminiscent of the fruit variety, a pleasing chocolate and spicy tone with sour cherry blossom notes on the nose, complemented by a slight marzipan and fresh green character. Full and complex on the palate, with pleasantly spicy hints, reminiscent of liquor cherry and dark chocolate. After a sweet start it leaves an astringent mouth-feel. An elegant, harmonious, fine drink.
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Medal: Gold
Medal: Silver
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Medal: Gold
Medal: Silver
medal
medal
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE BOTTLE
ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
W55 Williams Pear Pálinka
55
2019
Silver
Spicy and floral varietal characteristics on the nose, with medium intensity. Varietal notes are clearly recognisable on the palate but the pungent finish spoils the harmony.
Bedded Plum Pálinka
42
2019
Silver
The nose is fruity, sweet but the varietal character is restrained. The taste of marzipan with a tinge of sourness appears on the palate.
Matured Plum Pálinka
50
2019
Bronze
The powerful alcohol was nicely softened by maturation but the nose shows only vague cinnamon and chocolate notes. In the taste the barrel overwhelms the drink.
Plum Pálinka
44
2019
Bronze
On the nose the fruit is clearly recognisable but restrained. The plum’s spiciness is complemented by wax, mild citrus, cinnamon and a hint of jam. The palate is less crisp with fruity, sweet, marzipan, and spicy notes and a slight greenish aftertaste.
Quince Pálinka
44
2018
Bronze
The nose is neutral, barely recognisable, with a restrained varietal character. The taste is unassuming, lacking distinct notes.
Apricot Pálinka
50
2019
Bronze
The nose is restrained, slightly neutral but the character of the fruit is recognisable. On the palate, light, airy, tiny jammy notes emerge. For the lack of intensity it is rather an ordinary drink.
medal
medal
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE BOTTLE
ALCOHOL CONTENT (% V/V)
VINTAGE
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Apple Pálinka
42
2019
Silver
Moderately intense spicy notes, distinct fruitiness, with a mild seed character. The taste is mixed with grated apple, fresh notes of cloves and spices. A pleasant, harmonious drink with light marzipan tones.
Grape Marc Pálinka
42
2018
Silver
A lively nose of distinct, slightly boiled notes with a hint of raisins. The palate is layered with walnut, almond and, seed tones with a moderately elegant finish. Shows harmonious, appealing elegance.
Blackcurrant Pálinka
42
2018
Bronze
Blackcurrant notes are slightly subdued, it could be more herbal and herbaceous. Faint greenish notes on the palate so it is evaluated as ordinary.
Besztercei Plum Pálinka
42
2019
Bronze
The scent is neutral with vague plum notes and spiciness. The taste is plain, pungent, bitter. An ordinary drink.
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IKUN PÁLINKA web: www.ikun.hu e-mail: info@cefredoktor.hu address: H-5300 Karcag, Szent László utca 507/4 hrsz
Pálinka of the Nagykunság Region The IKUN Pálinkaház started commercial pálinka distilling in 2019 in Karcag, within the heart of the Nagykunság region. Although this part of our country is mostly known for its high-quality agricultural fields, the region’s orchards are perfect for growing native varieties. Plums, quinces, apricots, sour cherries, as well as our berries such as blackthorn, rowan and several currant varieties are all great examples for this. Unique pálinkas could be produced from the perfect fruits grown here with professional processing and the attention of our master distillers.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Sour Cherry Pálinka
Black Chokeberry Pálinka
Characterisation: Prominent herbal notes, with somewhat hidden chocolate accents and a jelly-like astringency. Strong, spicy notes on the palate, with a surprising sweetness reminiscent of Grandma’s honey herb infusion.
Characterisation: Fresh and crisp on the nose, reminiscent of sour cherry flesh with hints of marzipan, chocolate and slight tones of vanilla. Light on the palate, the mild kernel bitterness and marzipan are well highlighted with the spicy, bitter notes of chocolate. It leaves a pleasant mouth-feel with a medium finish. The long-lasting pungency, however, somewhat spoils the pleasure.
Characterisation: The nose is lively and intense, with prominent marzipan notes accompanied by cool mint notes. The taste is complex, marzipan and almond tones are complemented with notes of raisin and dark chocolate. With its long aftertaste it leaves a lasting impression in the throat. All in all, a harmonious and full-bodied drink.
Vintage:
Vintage: 2020
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 45%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 45%
Medal: Silver
Medal: Gold
Blackcurrant Pálinka
2020 Alcohol content (% V/V):
45%
medal
medal
Medals:
Gold medal and Champion award
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL CONTHE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V% V/V)
VINTAGE
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Irsai Olivér Pálinka
45
2019
Silver
Pleasant and vivacious, the nose is fresh, floral, with expressive varietal notes. The taste is dominated by fruitiness, the bitterness of the seeds makes it a bit pungent and bland. A pálinka with fragrant aromas and soft elegance.
Plum Pálinka
45
2019
Bronze
The nose is restrained, alcohol dominates. Moderately floral and spicy. The taste is markedly spicy with lovely kernel notes, cinnamon and a hint of almond and a long finish. A pleasant, lovely pálinka.
Apple Pálinka
45
2019
Bronze
A pleasant, fresh floral nose with sweet, waxy notes. The palate is restrained, somewhat dull and slightly oxidized.
Quince-Apple Pálinka
45
2019
Bronze
The nose displays robust citrus notes but woody tones dominate the varietal character. The taste shows bitter astringent tones with lingering waxy seed bitterness.
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KÖVÉR PÁLINKAFŐZDE
ERŐS PÁLINKAFŐZDE
web: www.koverpalinka.hu e-mail: koverpalinka@gmail.com address: H-3325 Noszvaj, Külterület 0214/10
web: www.erospalinka.hu e-mail: eros.sandor@erospalinka.hu address: H-5100 Jászberény, Neszűr 12.
Kövér Pálinkafőzde began its operations in the summer of 2019, on the Szokolya outskirts of Noszvaj. The heart of the distillery is the Ulrich Kothe still. The 400 litre copper boiler has a three-plate concentration column, with a refiner of 150 litres, so it can be used to make both pot still (“kisüsti”) and single-stage (aroma tower) pálinkas. The name Kövér Pálinkafőzde is a guarantee for high quality, as the use of modern, cutting edge technology is complemented by the work of a master distiller with enormous knowledge and experience.
In the Jászság region, the name of the Erős family has been synonymous with the craft of making pálinka for generations. Founded in 1929, the family business is one of the oldest distilleries in the country. They combine the experiences of generations with the master distiller’s professional skills and cutting-edge technology. Their activity is characterised by tradition and momentum, i.e. in addition to keep the traditional pot still technology they focus on continuous development as well. As a result, the essences of the valuable fruits of the region have been marketed under the name ERŐS Pálinka since 2016. Their goal is to ensure that the products they offer for sale are just as worthy of recognition as the products from their subcontract distillers, always representing the highest quality by bottling the best aroma and flavour harmonies.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Blackcurrant Pálinka
Kékfrankos Grape Marc Pálinka Characterisation: Peppery, spicy, somewhat smoky notes on the nose which suit the grape marc pálinka perfectly. On the palate, a mix of intense and full-bodied spicy and dark chocolate notes. A very nice, harmonious round pálinka with a long finish.
Characterisation: Fresh, fruity on the nose, characteristic of the variety, but only moderately intense. Prominent fruity notes on the palate, with a cooling, herbal finish. A long-lasting flavour, accompanied by delicate alcohol, showing the characteristics of astringent fruit.
Vintage: 2020
Vintage:
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Medal: Gold
Medal: Gold
medal
2020
medal
Blackcurrant Pálinka
Quince Pear Pálinka
Characterisation: Typical varietal tones on the nose and herbal, deep, rich notes on the palate. A harmonious pálinka with a long finish.
Characterisation: Clearly recognisable fresh, crisp citrus notes with a cinnamon variety character. An elegant, well-expressive, characteristic, harmonious pálinka on the palate.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 45%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 43%
Medal: Gold
Medal: Gold
medal
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE THE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V) Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka 43 2019
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Silver
Presenta Plum Pálinka
43
2019
Silver
The nose shows lovely varietal traits with slightly waxy, pleasantly citrusy, floral and muscat tones accompanied by a mild greenish character. Charming and perfumey aroma. The taste is light, flavourful with honey and bitter seed tones, followed by light seed oiliness. The greenish character appears on the palate as well. Overall an elegant, agreeable pálinka. Lovely floral and spicy notes but lacks intensity. The taste is dominated by spicy, fruity notes. A pleasant pálinka with a medium finish. Crisp, citrusy notes on the nose. Light and ethereal on the palate. A fruity mouthfeel with lingering astringent notes. Elegant, graceful, but a longer finish would make it more pleasant. Variety-specific flower notes on the nose, backed by a hint of pink. The taste is expressive and intense, generous with the varietal notes of the lepotica plum. Harmonious, elegant with a touch of marzipan in the aftertaste. Pleasant skin astringency, accompanied by a light sweet grated apple character on the nose. The palate is sweet, pleasant, spicy and cinnamony. Mild seed bitterness and oily tones in the aftertaste but overall a lovely product. It opens with intense waxiness followed by the sweet aromas with a nice spicy cinnamon character and quite moderate tones. The palate shows pleasantly spicy, pungent, lasting tones with a mix of tart and sweet accents. The nose displays variety-specific, fresh and youthful, pleasantly floral, citrusy and cinnamony notes. An expressive, astringent taste, with lingering bitter seedy accents with a short finish. The varietal traits are more prominent on the nose. The nose evokes a juicy sweet fruit flavour, accompanied by sour cherry liqueur chocolate candy notes. Marzipan and chocolate blend nicely. The taste is rich and complex. The chocolate and marzipan notes are complemented by a pleasantly sour, smoky tones. Only the slightly distracting greenish dry character spoils the overall impression. The finish is mediocre. The aroma is reminiscent of apricot jam, slightly citrusy, floral, yet the fruitiness is a bit subdued. The taste is somewhat empty, thin, the jam character barely appears. Overall a subdued, mediocre drink with a medium finish.
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE THE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Apple Pálinka
medal
Quince Apple Pálinka
45
2019
Silver
42
2019
Gold
The nose is dominated by light spicy notes with seductively soft aromas. The palate is slightly seedy and full of rich flavours. A harmonious, beautiful product with a long finish.
Lepotica Plum Pálinka
43
2019
Silver
Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka 42
2020
Silver
Generously fruity but restrained notes on the nose. The taste shows mild marzipan flavours with cocoa accents. A pleasant pálinka with a medium finish.
Golden Apple Pálinka
43
2019
Silver
Szomolyai Black Cherry 42 Pálinka
2020
Bronze
Sufficiently fruity with fresh, floral and citrusy notes. The taste is sweet, with mild citrusy and chocolate accents. Pungency and a short finish make it a passable pálinka.
Jonagold Apple Pálinka
43
2019
Silver
Apricot Pálinka
42
2020
Bronze
Although apricot is clearly recognisable, excessive marzipan tones of the kernels overwhelm the fruit character and envelope the floral and spicy, pleasant notes. The palate shows robust marzipan tones as well with mild spiciness. The aftertaste is dominated by kernel bitterness. The taste wins over the aroma.
Packham’s Triumph Pear 43 Pálinka
2019
Silver
Quince Pálinka
42
2020
Bronze
The fruit is recognisable, but overall the nose is somewhat vague with slightly dull notes. Spicy on the palate but it could be crispier. A slightly flat, mediocre drink.
Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka
43
2019
Silver
Apricot Pálinka
43
2019
Bronze
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BRILL PÁLINKAHÁZ Web: www.brillpalinkahaz.hu; e-mail: brill@brillpalinkahaz.hu; address: H-7172 Harc, Siófoki u. 21.
Brill Pálinkaház is a family-owned manufactory producing special pálinkas and spirits since 2000. The distillery is located in Tolna County, in a quiet environment, only 10 minutes from Szekszárd, in the village of Harc. Their motto is “Pálinka is an experience” - and indeed they try to reveal the wonders of nature to their consumers in every single drop of pálinka. In recognition of their outstanding performance over the years, they have been awarded three “Hungary’s Best Pálinka’’ and two “Hungary’s Most Successful Pálinka Distillery” awards.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Jázmin Grape Marc Pálinka Characterisation: Opens with vibrant, intense rose notes, a grape-like character with a slightly floral perfume finish. On the palate, the sweet taste is extremely long, with rosy, slightly soapy grape marc notes.
Kékfrankos Grape Pálinka
Vintage:
Characterisation: Pleasantly fruity and elegant on the nose, the blue-flowered notes are accompanied by spicy notes of pepper and red berries, reminiscent of forest floor. On the palate, the mild cocoa and walnut notes and kernel oily accents offer pure joy. All in all, it is slightly pungent, thanks to spicy pepper.
2020 Alcohol content (% V/V):
43% Medals:
Vintage:
Gold medal and Champion award
2019 Alcohol content (% V/V):
43% Medal:
Gold medal and Champion award
ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE THE BOTTLE TENT (V/V%)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Apricot Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
Reminiscent of ripe fruit. It opens with the aroma of apricot jam layered with floral, spicy notes and a whiff of light citrus tones. The palate is creamy, soft and silky. The kernel character is nicely complemented by the spicy, citrusy, slightly acidic notes. Long finish.
Apricot Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
The nose is dominated by floral, slightly restrained fruitiness. Citrus, dried fruit and jam notes appear on the palate. It could be a more intense but a pleasant pálinka.
Williams Pear Pálinka
40
2018
Bronze
Pear notes are distinguishable on the nose but the Williams tones fade away quickly. The taste is slightly pungent, short, the varietal notes are vague.
Red Williams Pear Pálinka
40
2018
Silver
The varietal characteristics are distinct but could be more intense. The taste is pleasant, fruity and sufficiently spicy. A remarkable pálinka that could do with a longer finish.
Néró Matured Grape Marc 43 Pálinka
2008
Silver
Roasted walnut, light hazelnut, vanilla notes dominate the nose. On the palate the barrel tones are quite intense but overall the flavours are in the right proportions and linger in the throat, and this harmony makes it a lovely pálinka.
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VÁRDA-DRINK PÁLINKAFŐZDE web: www.vardadrink.hu e-mail: attila.csobolya@vardadrink.hu address: H-4800 Vásárosnamény, Vammala út 7. Our story began in 1922 in Kisvárda, with the legal predecessor of the company, the Szabolcs Farmers’ Distillery Cooperative founded by István Diner, who had managed and developed the cooperative until 1941. Over the years, the factory underwent significant changes: its operations were first determined by nationalisation in 1950, and later on by privatization in 1993. The company’s name and ownership also changed, and Várda-Drink Ltd. became a management and employee owned company. From late 2006 they worked as a private limited company, and a new owner arrived in 2007, which led to a significant change of the portfolio. The factory in Kisvárda produces and bottles alcoholic beverages. Our pálinkas are made in our own pálinka distillery with modern distillation technology in Vásárosnamény. The aim of Várda-Drink is to advocate civilized drink consumption and to promote the uniqueness of pálinka.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Exclusive Cherry Wood Barrel Aged Cherry Pálinka Characterisation: In addition to the sweet, floral, fruity notes, it explodes with a fragrance reminiscent of “tutti-frutti” which quickly transforms into a pleasant, pineapple-like aroma. The vanilla tones of the fruit are nicely complemented by a character reminiscent of milk chocolate. The taste is dominated by chocolate, nicely complemented by the woodiness of the barrel. The fruity taste becomes slightly spicy by hints of forest floor notes with a pleasant vanilla finish. The barrel tones are blending nicely with the character of the pálinka on a medium finish. A thrilling pálinka.
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE BOTTLE
ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Kulacs Szabolcsi Apple Pálinka
40
2018
Silver
The nose is light, reminiscent of fruit. Redberry and honey notes are accompanied by a pleasant pepper tone with fresh floral notes. Robust skin character on the palate, slightly pungent and bitter. Restrained, not too harsh, yet elegant. The finish is short, the aroma overpromise while the taste underdelivers.
Kulacs Williams Pear Pálinka
40
2017
Silver
The nose shows fresh floral notes with prominent Williams pear tones. The variety is easily recognisable on the palate but the taste is rather thin with slight skin astringency.
Premium Apricot Pálinka
40
2017
Silver
Fresh apricot notes are nicely complemented by apricot blossom and citrus notes with a slight greenish character hiding in the background. The taste is complex, with a hint of apricot and greenish accents. Pleasant kernel tones with light tutti-frutti hints and a lasting finish.
Premium Szabolcsi Apple Pálinka
40
2018
Silver
Light, spicy, citrus notes on the nose. The taste is round, sweet, fruity spiciness blends with mild pungency.
Exclusive Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
42
2018
Silver
The nose rwestrained floral with slightly dull Irsai notes. On the palate the Irsai notes are more intense but disappear with a medium finish.
Exclusive Bedded Sour Cherry Pálinka
42
2018
Silver
On the nose, the sour cherry character is complemented by vanilla and marzipan notes. On the palate the sour cherry is soon replaced by a sweet flavour with faint marzipan and chocolate accents.
Exclusive Besztercei Plum Pálinka
42
2019
Silver
The varietal notes of the fruit are recognisable with generous floral, almond-like, pleasantly spicy, jammy, cinnamon tones. The palate displays plum jam with spicy, caramel, chocolate and cinnamon tones. A short finish but overall a harmonious pálinka.
Kulacs Szabolcsi Apple Pálinka
40
2019
Bronze
The varietal character is difficult to recognise on the nose, it shows restrained floral notes. The palate displays bitter seed notes with a short finish and scant fruity tones.
Kulacs Szatmári Plum Pálinka
40
2019
Bronze
The nose opens slowly and fails to improve. The varietal character is recognisable. On the palate slightly boiled with a short, waxy finish.
Kulacs Szatmári Plum Pálinka
40
2018
Bronze
Overly restrained on the nose but shows delicate and floral notes. It is a flat, sweet, aloof, pleasantly agreeable pálinka.
Kulacs Old Apricot Pálinka 40
2017
Bronze
The nose is restrained, tired, with barely detectable fruitiness. On the palate the varietal character and the fruitiness is less intense which ma
Kulacs Sour Cherry Pálinka
40
2017
Bronze
Mild spiciness and slightly greenish, moderate notes on the nose. The taste is astringent laced with flower and cocoa notes. Short finish, slightly thin, ordinary.
Premium Williams Pear Pálinka
40
2017
Bronze
The fruity variety is indistinct. The nose shows spicy notes with woody undertones but the overall impression is predominantly restrained and aloof. The taste also lacks the Williams pear character while displaying skin notes with waxy, woody and slightly bitter accents. Overall a cumbersome product, less fragrant, with restrained taste and aroma.
Exclusive Quince Pálinka Characterisation: Despite its age, the nose still shows light, elegant citrus notes. The taste has lost nothing of its crispiness, the palate shows a vibrant, fruity spiciness.
Elegant, excellent pálinka. Vintage: 2014
Vintage: 2014
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Medal: Gold
Medal: Gold
medal
medal
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EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT:
BOLYHOS PÁLINKAFŐZDE web: www.bolyhos.hu e-mail: palinka@bolyhos.hu address: H-2768 Újszilvás, Bicskei út 34.
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE BOTTLE
Our family business, Bolyhos Pálinkafőzde, celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. In Újszilvás, next to the distillery built on our one-hectare plot, we have a winter and summer pálinka tasting facility, a flagship store, a pálinka museum and our own fruit drying plant built last year. We are proud to have won the audience award of the “Hungary’s Most Beautiful Estate” competition in 2018. The Bolyhos brand won its market reputation by its 50% bedded signature pálinka. Our unique pálinka bottles and gift packages can be purchased all across the country. We firmly believe that only top quality pálinkas should be matured on fruit beds, and accordingly, we put great emphasis on the procurement of excellent raw materials and the ongoing quality control of the distillation process. Legeredményesebb termékek
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Bolyhos Bedded Black Cherry Pálinka
Bolyhos Bedded Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
Characterisation: Milk chocolate and marzipan on the nose, with a nicely distinct fruit character. Strong chocolate and cocoa flavours, complemented by kernel notes.
Characterisation: Muscat fragrance on the nose with transient lychee notes. Raisins on the palate, an elegant finish, full-bodied yet light pálinka.
Vintage:
2018
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Bolyhos Gypsy Sour Cher- 40 ry Pálinka
2018
Silver
The nose carries varietal notes but the freshness is restrained, dull. On the palate candy-like, raw, pungent, closed notes with prominent kernel tones.
Bolyhos Cherry Pálinka
40
2018
Silver
Varietal notes on the nose but showing moderate intensity. Slightly sweet, marzipan notes on the palate with a pleasant mouthfeel.
Bolyhos Irsai Olivér Grape 40 Pálinka
2018
Silver
The nose is fragrant, spicy, seductive but displays medium rosy notes. The taste is more intense with a characteristic soapy, sticky, seed character.
Bolyhos Apricot Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
The aroma is airy, but not too intense, adorned with sweet candy notes. On the palate, the top of the sip is cool, minty, leading to a lasting fruity, jammy finish.
Bolyhos Golden Apple 40 Pálinka
2018
Silver
The aroma is characteristic of apples with light seed notes. A shorter apple character on the palate. A harmonious pálinka with an appealing balance between aroma and taste.
Bolyhos Bedded Gypsy 50 Sour Cherry Pálinka
2018
Bronze
Restrained fruitiness, weak varietal character, the taste is dominated by spiciness and sweet marzipan flavours, paired with a medium finish.
Bolyhos Bedded Apricot 50 Pálinka
2019
Bronze
The jam-like character cannot make up for the restrained, barely discernible notes on the nose. On the palate sweet, spicy notes with a mild sourness and pungency.
Bolyhos Plum Pálinka
2018
Bronze
The fruit is difficult to recognise on the nose because the flower notes are distorted by a mild acidity. On the palate the same bitter acidity suppresses the fruity character.
40
Vintage: 2018
Alcohol content (% V/V): 50%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 50%
Medal: Gold
Medal:
medal
ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE TENT (% V/V)
Silver medal
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SCHISZLER PÁLINKA web: www. schiszlerpalinka.hu e-mail: iroda@phoenixdrinkkft.hu address: H-6230 Soltvadkert Kiskőrösi út 5.
The owner of Schiszler Pálinka, a family business, learned to love and respect nature from his grape and fruit farmer parents. He established the pálinka distillery with the aim to produce a premium product that reflects their own ideas about pálinka. The quality of their pálinkas is outstanding, thanks to the excellent soil of the region and the persistent work of the people living here, creating the flourishing orchards. The site features a glass wall separating the distillery from the tasting room, which is a true attraction for all pálinka lovers. A modern distillery, one of the best fruit-growing regions in the country, decades of professional experience and the commitment to produce a quality drink in every respect - that is the secret of Schiszler Pálinka!
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL THE BOTTLE CONTENT (% V/V)
VINTAGE
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Plum Pálinka
42
2019
Silver
Notes reminiscent of prunes and linden flowers on the nose. The taste is velvety with intense kernel tones but with a medium finish.
Pear Pálinka
42
2019
Silver
Airy, light, yet with slightly restrained notes on the nose. The waxiness of the skin prevails in the taste with crunchy fruit tones popping up here and there.
Apricot Pálinka
42
2019
Silver
The nose is crisp, youthful and discreetly elegant, modern in style. Pleasant apricot notes are nicely complemented by citrus and flower notes. Generous apricot notes on the palate, the marzipan, citrus, and nectar notes seamlessly blend into the pleasant sweetness of the fruit. The aroma makes it a charming pálinka though the finish is only medium.
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
42
2019
Bronze
The varietal muscat is recognisable and the nose displays some fruitiness, but lacks intensity. Fruity notes on the palate with a sweet, medium finish.
Quince Apple Pálinka
42
2019
Bronze
Spicy notes, complemented by fresh and exciting citrus notes, with a slightly alcoholic taste and an identifiable fruit character. The aroma outweighs the taste and spoils the harmony of the pálinka.
Sour Cherry Pálinka
42
2018
Bronze
Sour cherry is recognisable on the nose but the marzipan tones of the kernels dominate the overall impression. Slightly greenish, woody and candy notes also appear. The taste is also dominated by the kernel character with prominent marzipan tones. This completely suppresses the chocolatey, spicy character of the sour cherry. The smell and taste are off balance.
Williams Pear Pálinka
42
2018
Bronze
Modest intensity on the nose with distinguishable spicy and floral notes. The varietal character fades very quickly on the palate, only the bitter seed taste lasts.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Rowan Pálinka
Matured Plum Pálinka
Characterisation: Amazing marzipan notes with playful fruity accents in the background. The taste is sweet, with harmonious seed character and almond notes. A long, luxurious taste, an experience that is difficult to forget.
Characterisation: Sweet, floral notes. Plums seasoned with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. On the palate, the woody-barrel notes leave with a cinnamon finish. Beautiful look with delightful colours. Enticing aromas, all in all a harmonious, elegant pálinka.
Vintage: 2017
Vintage: 2017
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Medal: Gold
Medal: Gold
medal
medal
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MÁTYÁS PÁLINKAHÁZ
SZICSEK PÁLINKAFŐZDE
web: www.matyaspalinkahaz.hu e-mail: info@kunsagszesz.hu address: H-6200 Kiskőrös, Bánff y u. 37.
web: www.szicsek.com e-mail: info@szicsek.hu address: H-5461 Tiszaföldvár Ókincsem III. kereszt út 10-14.
We felt that a product with special quality that keeps Hungarian traditions had to be added to the expanding portfolio of Hungaricums. That is why we established a unique computer-controlled pálinka distillery in 2016, the Mátyás Pálinkaház. State-of-the-art technology could only prevail if appropriate expertise is combined with excellent raw materials. Thanks to the competence of our colleagues and our long-term fruit growing contractors in Kiskőrös, we have every opportunity to produce top quality drinks and implement further development. The elegant, clean notes of our pálinkas and the aromas of fresh fruit provide a long-lasting, unforgettable experience. Our pálinkas are musthaves for good conversations and meals.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
The Szicsek Pálinkafőzde is one of the oldest pálinka distilleries, and one of the most significant private businesses in Szolnok County. The distillery produces nearly 80 products from more than 30 types of raw materials. The company uses its unique system of sales representatives for domestic sales activities. Their export activities are significant, too: currently they manage more than half of the Hungarian pálinka export. In 2003, the company opened the Magyar Pálinka Háza (House of Hungarian Pálinka) in Budapest, and now there are a total of 5 similar stores across the country (in Budapest, Szeged, Szolnok, Gyula, Kecskemét). The Szicsek Látvány Pálinkafőzde and Pálinka Kert (the distillery’s visitor centre and the Pálinka Garden) await visitor groups all year round with pálinka tasting and factory visits, culinary experiences and a traditional farmyard.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Mátyás Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
Mátyás Raspberry Pálinka
Characterisation: Fresh, light, strongly floral on the nose, reminiscent of a blooming rose bush. It shows well the typical characteristics of the variety, with citrus, spicy, honey, lychee notes and a hint of seed oil. On the palate, the seed bitterness is in smooth harmony with fruity notes. Pleasant honey notes, somewhat reminiscent of nuts and seeds. Well-balanced aroma and taste, with captivating perfume notes. A veritable Irsai.
Characterisation: Truly ethereal, perfumed notes with spicy hints. A complex raspberry character on the palate, with a touch of oiliness which suits the pálinka well. A harmonious pálinka with a long finish.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Medal: Gold
Medal: Gold
medal
medal
ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT:
Blackcurrant Pálinka
Birsai Fruit Pálinka
Characterisation: On the nose, a touch of spiciness with slight petroleum notes. The taste shows seed and dried fruit characters, but it is restrained, a bit one-sided.
Characterisation: Fragrant with perfumed, floral, citrus muscat and sweet quince notes. A prominent muscat flavour embracing quince compote notes. A bold but successful experiment.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2018
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Medal: Silver
Medal: Silver
medal
medal
ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT:
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE BOTTLE
ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Mátyás Apricot Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
A quiet drink with an unassuming, subdued aroma. The taste shows light floral notes and intense kernel bitterness with a short finish.
Mátyás Plum Pálinka
40
2019
Bronze
The nose displays spicy, prune-like notes reminiscent of summer fruit. The taste is compote-like but quickly dissolving. A rather one-dimensional pálinka.
Mátyás Williams Pear Pálinka
40
2018
Bronze
It opens with intense, spicy notes and ends with floral notes. A bit sour on the palate but crunchy skin notes characteristic of the pear also emerge.
Mátyás Strawberry Pálinka
40
2019
Bronze
The varietal character is recognisable but restrained, the aroma abounds with greenish notes. The taste is chocolatey, fruity but the variety-specific seed oil also appears in the throat. A pleasant, decent pálinka with a medium finish.
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE THE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
Medal
DESCRIPTION
Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka
Bronze
The nose is subtle with sour cherry notes, and spicy sulphur-like tones. The taste is sticky, the kernel character dominates and makes it pungent.
44
2019
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BUTI PÁLINKA web: www.butipalinka.hu e-mail: butipalinka@gmail.com address: H-9516 Vönöck, Szili Pál u. 1.
In 2002, our pálinka distillery started operating as a subcontract distiller family business in Vönöck, Vas County. Thanks to our professional experience, the reliable technology and persistent work, the range of our subcontract distillers has been constantly expanding. Through the expansion and development over the years, we have increased the capacity of our plant with additional distillation systems while keeping the pot still (“kisüsti”) technology. In 2013, we started bottling and selling our own drinks. Initially, classic fruits grown by us provided the basis of our portfolio. Later on, we expanded our product range with wild rarities and grape pálinkas. Currently, we offer 27 types of products to quality pálinka enthusiasts. Our strive for perfection is represented by the union of the four elements of our family - earth, fire, water, and air. This essence is expressed by Buti Pálinka.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Wild Pear Pálinka Characterisation: Citrus notes open reluctantly, the nose shows varietal character with a long finish. On the palate, waxy, bitter seed and sweet notes are accompanied by wild spices. Vintage
2018 Alcohol content (% V/V):
45%
Quince Pálinka
Plum Pálinka
Characterisation: In addition to citrus and lively varietal characteristics, it is full-bodied and fresh on the nose. On the palate, prominent citrus flavours as well, alongside a sufficiently bold sweetness that lingers in the throat for a long time. An exciting, harmonious, nice pálinka.
Characterisation: On the nose, waxy and soft sweetness can be detected, which is disturbed by a definite kernel character. Strong alcohol dominance on the palate with hints of cinnamon and muscat.
Vintage: 2018
Vintage: 2018
Alcohol content (% V/V): 45%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 48%
Medal: Gold
Medal:
medal
Bronze medal
Medal:
Gold medal and Champion award
ÉREMTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE THE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Apple Pálinka
48
2017
Bronze
The character of the fruit is recognisable but restrained on the nose. There is also a slight waxiness to it. The palate displays more intense fruity notes but with a pungent aftertaste, making it a passable drink with a short finish.
Blackthorn Pálinka
45
2018
Bronze
With low-key notes and faint marzipan tones, the nose shows indistinct varietal characteristics. On the palate the fruitiness is discernible but overall a mediocre drink with a short finish.
Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka
45
2018
Bronze
The sweet, varietal muscat notes are recognisable on the nose but stalky, greenish, astringent accents reminiscent of grape marc also appear. The taste shows raisiny tones and the sweet, spicy aromas of the variety, but unpleasant tannic, dry grape marc notes appear as well.
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RENESZÁNSZ BADACSONYI PÁLINKAHÁZ
MICHLBERGER PÁLINKA
web: www.badacsonyipalinkahaz.hu e-mail: reneszansz@badacsonyipalinkahaz.hu address: H-8257 Badacsonyörs Füredi u. 3.
web: www.m-palinka.hu e-mail: info@m-palinka.hu address: H-2519 Piliscsév 2001/2
The Reneszánsz Badacsonyi Pálinkaház is the fruit of a two-year long planning process. It is a small family business operating as a manufactory. Our pálinka workshop is new, but Reneszánsz (renaissance) is all about renewal, the rebirth of flavours, feelings, emotions and perfect harmony. Come and visit us, and enjoy the pleasing flavours in a beautiful environment. The renaissance of pálinka will captivate you, just as it did with us!
My name is László Mihályi (Michlberger). I was born in Esztergom in 1970. I started making pálinka in 1994, first as a student and later on - in the same distillery - as owner of the distillery. Our distillery in Piliscsév is a real family business, where several generations are working together to bring the wonderful taste of the fruits grown on the Pilis hills to you, Dear Consumers, by filling their spirit into bottles. We only sell pot still (“kisüsti”) distillates, which are - according to friends of Michlberger Pálinka - similar to handicraft products: unique, inimitable pieces. We entered the market in 2006 with our own bottled products which are more and more popular in restaurants and wine houses in our region. It is probably not an overstatement that almost everyone in Esztergom and its surroundings knows our products.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Muscat Grape Pálinka
Irsai Olivér Grape Marc Pálinka
Characterisation: A very intense, fresh grape character on the nose. When warmed-up, it reveals its hidden aromas. The woody character is a bit thin on the palate, the barrel is barely noticeable, but it complements and rounds up the muscat beautifully.
Characterisation: In addition to grape marc notes, seed, barrel and raisins tones appear on the nose and turn into perfume and vanilla notes. On the palate a dash of cinnamon comes first, followed by grape and raisin notes. A nice, long finish, an elegant drink.
Vintage: 2018
Vintage: 2017
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40% Medal: Gold
medal
Michlberger Cserszegi Grape Marc Pálinka
Fűszeres
Michlberger Budaörs Peach Pálinka
Characterisation: Very intense grape marc and skin notes on the palate, with a captivating, complex spiciness. Sweet on the palate, in a nice harmony with the alcohol content. A harmonious, excellent pálinka
Characterisation: Opens slowly on the nose. The restrained spicy notes make it neutral. With some patience, the fragrance of peach juice arrives as well. The taste is a little thin, slightly pungent, with moderate fruitiness and a short finish.
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Vintage: 2007
Vintage 2019
Medal: Silver
Alcohol content (% V/V): 50%
Alcohol content (% V/V):
medal
Medal: Gold
44% Medal: Silver medal
medal
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT:
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT:
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE THE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Michlberger Grape Marc 50 Pálinka
2007
Silver
Distinct notes of grape marc on the nose. The waxy, walnut and woody, slightly floury, raisiny character with mild astringency of the skin blends nicely with the sharpness of the alcohol. On the palate, the alcoholic sensation fades away and supports the aroma. The woody, seed oil taste is dominant, but the palate also shows the muscat notes nicely on a long finish. The aroma easily overshadows the flavours.
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE THE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Michlberger Bedded Sour 44 Cherry Pálinka
----
Silver
Distinctly varietal, fruity notes with mild marzipan tones on the nose. The taste is dominated by chocolate notes, the aftertaste is slightly sour. Overall a harmonious pálinka.
Sour Cherry Pálinka
Silver
A pleasant, clearly recognisable sour cherry aroma, floral and spicy notes blend with mild kernel tones. The palate opens with marzipan, replaced by a bitter chocolate note with a medium finish.
Michlberger 44 Quince 44 Pálinka
2017
Bronze
The nose is somewhat restrained but shows lovely citrus, compote, minty notes and the rich spicy character of the quince. The taste is less fruity, the spicy flavours, astringent skin notes and woody accents are more pronounced. A less memorable pálinka with a short finish.
40
2018
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MADARASI PÁLINKAFŐZDE
SZIGETKÖZ LELKE PÁLINKAHÁZ
web: www.madarasipalinka.hu e-mail: madarasipalinka@t-online.hu address: Madaras, Szent István u. 5.
web: www.raczpalinka.hu e-mail: info@raczpalinka.hu address: H-9225 Dunakiliti, Radnóti Miklós u. 5/a
The Madarasi Pálinkafőzde was built in 1943. The Lakatos family has been making pot still (“kisüsti”) pálinka in Madaras for 60 years. Initially, the distillery was exclusively involved in subcontract distillation. In 2008, there was an important change in the life of the distillery: they expanded their activities with the production of commercial pálinka. The flavours and aromas of pálinkas made from fruits grown in the Southern Great Plain are outstanding thanks to the climatic conditions of the landscape. This provides a special value to consumers. The colour of Madarasi Pálinka is clean, water-like, and the flavours and aromas are typical of the fruit. The Lakatos family is committed to produce high quality pálinkas. Their results at various pálinka competitions, i.e. “Best Pear Pálinka of the National Pálinka Competition”, “Best Apricot Pálinka of the Southern Great Plain Region” awards and “Kiváló Magyar Élelmiszer (Excellent Hungarian Food)”, “Traditions-Flavours-Regions” and “Pálinka Excellence” trade marks are all proof of their commitment.
The Szigetköz Lelke (“Soul of Szigetköz”) Pálinkaház was founded in 2009. The owners, master distiller Ferenc Rácz and sales manager Andrea Sreiner await their guests in Dunakiliti-Tejfalusziget. The manufactory operates as a classic distillery open to the public so the path of the pálinka can be followed right from fruit mash to the noble distillate. The owner determined the geographical location of the distillery as “at the back of beyond, but still close to everything”. He was right, of course, as the distillery is located at an equal distance of 10 km from both the Slovak border and the city of Mosonmagyaróvár, while Budapest is a 1 hour 45 minutes’ drive away. The Szigetköz Lelke Pálinkaház is committed to the production of high-quality artisan, premium pálinkas without any compromise. It combines tradition, state-of-the-art technology and the always improving expertise. The high-level expertise of owner/master distiller Ferenc Rácz and his humility towards making pálinka are a guarantee for visitors that they taste more than just pálinka, they taste the very soul of the fruit.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Madarasi Birspálinka
Limited Premium Apricot Pálinka
Characterisation: Intense, floral fruitiness on the nose with a long-lasting, fresh, citrus varietal character. The taste is reminiscent of the sweetness of Grandma’s quince compote, with fresh, crisp, spicy notes. A nice, complex pálinka.
Characterisation: Opens with moderate notes on the nose. Reminiscent of dried fruit, with citrus and vanilla notes. The jammy fruit flavour is somewhat overshadowed by the pungency of the alcohol but a touch of honey and orange peel can also be detected. A fragrant pálinka with a medium finish.
Vintage: 2017
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 47%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 43%
Medal: Gold
Medal: Silver
medal EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT:
medal
Wild Cherry Pálinka
Raspberry Pálinka
Characterisation: The marzipan-like kernel character of wild cherries clearly shows on the nose. A fresh and crisp fragrance, with the sweetness of cherry blossom flowers and the astringency of green buds. The taste is sufficiently spicy, with the harmony of marzipan, slight compote and chocolate notes. A beautiful, harmonious, elegant pálinka.
Characterisation: The fragrance is reminiscent of fresh fruit, characteristic, with a touch of perfume, fresh, light and ethereal. The raspberry juice tone is complemented by pleasant floral hints. An intense and characteristic taste, with honey and fruit notes accompanied by a kernel oil aftertaste. All in all, a fresh, youthful, characteristic drink with a prominent aroma.
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL CONTHE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
VINTAGE
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Madarasi Grape Pálinka
47
2019
Silver
The nose opens with floral, fresh and crisp grape notes with robust varietal notes of Irsai. The taste is slightly sweet, spiciness and seed oil tones appear. A harmonious, pleasant, friendly, beautiful pálinka.
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Limited Premium Quince 43 Pálinka
2019
Bronze
On the nose the boiled character suppresses the varietal citrus notes. The taste is characteristic but with modest varietal notes and a short finish.
Medal: Gold
Medal: Gold
Limited Premium Irsai Ol- 43 ivér Grape Pálinka
2019
Bronze
The fruit is recognisable but the varietal character is restrained, the grape marc notes are dominant. A decent drink with sweet flavours.
Limited Premium Black- 43 currant Pálinka
2019
Bronze
The nose is moderately intense with feeble varietal characteristics. The taste is thin, alcoholic, neutral, mildly fruity.
Madarasi Apricot Pálinka
47
2017
Bronze
A delicate aroma with floral vanilla and slightly greenish-woody notes. The taste is pungent, bitter with faint fruity notes.
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE BOTTLE
ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Madarasi Pear Pálinka
47
2017
Bronze
The aroma is closed, neutral, the fruit is barely recognisable, slightly oxidized. The taste is pronounced, the notes of sweet pear are detectable, slightly reminiscent of Williams pear. A woody, rough finish. Overall a disharmonious drink.
Szomolyai Black Cherry Pálinka
40
2019
Gold
Cherry 47
2019
Bronze
The nose is closed with barely recognisable honey and sweet notes. Slightly pungent on the palate, with bitter kernel tones and a short finish.
Varietal, almost perfumed, intensely spicy on the nose with chocolate, vanilla, mild herbal and marzipan notes. On the palate the marzipan tones of the kernel are pleasantly complemented by the bitterness of dark chocolate. A harmonious, beautiful pálinka with a full and silky mouthfeel and juicy notes of squeezed cherry on the long finish.
Blueberry Pálinka
40
2018
Silver
2019
Bronze
On the nose apple notes appear with mediocre intensity. The taste is more expressive with a long aftertaste. A drink with modest harmony.
The aroma is reminiscent of daffodils and violets, with the airiness of a fresh spring breeze that carries some pleasant sweetness. The taste is greenish, reminiscent of mint, quite closed.
Madarasi Pálinka
Sour
Madarasi Apple Pálinka
47
medal
medal
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VITÉZ PÁLINKAMANUKATÚRA
9,7ª= Pálinka Manufaktúra
CZETIS HÁZ PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
web: www. mil.co.hu e-mail: milikor@miskolcilikorgyar.hu address: H-3527 Miskolc Vitéz utca 13
web: www.czetis.hu e-mail: p.anna@czetis.hu address: H-3527 Miskolc Vitéz utca 13.
The primary goal of the establishment of our commercial and subcontract distillery was to provide the inhabitants of the area with a quality national drink made from the fruits grown in the Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County by means of traditional technology, and to keep traditions alive. We have gained a significant professional experience since 1916, and have expertise both in high-quality pot still (“kisüsti”) distilling and today’s modern one-step technology. Our state-of-the-art plant complies with all official and EU requirements. Currently the pálinka distillery is working on the production of commercial pálinka and subcontract distillation, in a high-standard, clean and professional environment, with modern equipment satisfying all needs. While designing the distillery, in addition to quality equipment and technological solutions, our priority was to ensure the comfort of our subcontractors as well. Upon request, we assist our subcontractors with supplying mash, too. Our goal is to position pálinka as a high-quality national drink and raise awareness among consumers.
“The flavour of traditions, in our times.” We believe that the values inherited from our ancestors are the key to our future. Thus we used state-of-the-art technology and up-to-date knowledge to reach back to the drink highly appraised by our ancestors and produced with great love: pálinka. This noble drink has always been a must-have for long conversations between friends, family dinners, and weddings. Our priority is to make the products of the Czetis Ház Pálinka Manufaktúra a great companion for unforgettable future stories, both in taste and quality.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Furmint Grape-Quince Mixed Fruit Pálinka
Johanna Furmint Grape Marc Pálinka
Wild Cherry Pálinka
Raspberry Pálinka
Characterisation: The marzipan-like kernel character of wild cherries clearly shows on the nose. A fresh and crisp fragrance, with the sweetness of cherry blossom flowers and the astringency of green buds. The taste is sufficiently spicy, with the harmony of marzipan, slight compote and chocolate notes. A beautiful, harmonious, elegant pálinka.
Characterisation: The fragrance is reminiscent of fresh fruit, characteristic, with a touch of perfume, fresh, light and ethereal. The raspberry juice tone is complemented by pleasant floral hints. An intense and characteristic taste, with honey and fruit notes accompanied by a kernel oil aftertaste. All in all, a fresh, youthful, characteristic drink with a prominent aroma.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 41%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 41%
Medal: Gold
Medal: Gold
Medal: Gold
Medal: Silver
medal
medal
Characterisation: Spicy, floral, elegant, Irsai-like notes on the nose. A complex pálinka, with pleasing muscat and raisin notes on the palate.
medal
Characterisation: On the nose, notes of floral, white-fleshed fruits mix with grape marc. Slightly oily on the palate, a winelike drink with a delicate character.
medal
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE BOTTLE
ALCOHOL CONTENT (% VINTAGE V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Hat Királynék Plum Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
It opens slowly with greenish, apricot notes. The taste is restrained, with barely recognisable neutral notes and a slight pungency.
Hat Királynék Apple Pálinka
40
2019
Silver
Pure, spicy notes accentuate the varietal character. It offers a silky, soft, rich mouthfeel Mild alcohol makes it memorable.
Hat Királynék Gönci Apricot Pálinka
40
2019
Bronze
The nose displays distinguishable waxy, tea-grass notes with a hint of kernel tones. The palate shows a strong kernel character that leads to rich brittle notes.
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE THE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Furmint Grape- Blackthorn 41 Multi-fruit Pálinka
2019
Silver
The wild character overwhelms the nose, yet the aroma is harmonious with a hint of lime and marzipan. Sweet, grapey astringent notes alternate on the palate with a medium finish.
Johanna Furmint Grape 45 Pálinka
2019
Bronze
Elegant, spicy notes with a thin, indistinct varietal character. The taste is burning, full-bodied with spices with a bitter, medium finish.
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PANYOLAI SZILVÓRIUM
CSALLÓ PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
web: www.panyolai.hu e-mail: marketing@panyolai.hu address: H-4913 Panyola, Szilvórium tanya 1.
web: www.csallo.hu e-mail: csallo@csallo.hu address: H-8225 Szentkirályszabadja, 979/1 hrsz
The tradition of pálinka distilling in Panyola dates back to the 1700s, and Panyolai Szilvórium Ltd., founded in 2002, makes its products with the same faith and dedication as its predecessors. Panyolai pálinkas are among the most popular and sophisticated drinks in Hungary. Their recognition is based on a healthy mix of their production method, the experience passed down from generation to generation, and their meticulous and hard work. The company meets the varied needs of the market and consumer demands by its diverse product range - six product families with more than 40 product types.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
We established our distillery as a greenfield development in the picturesque Vödörvölgy on the outskirts of Balatonalmádi, where we have been engaged in subcontract distilling since 1999. Since 2005, we have also bottled our own branded products. We are committed to the traditional pot still (“kisüsti”) pálinka production but we also embrace the use of modern structural materials and our proprietary innovative technologies. We are convinced that this is the only way to bring out such a “wide, stout” taste from the fruits grown in the best fruit-growing areas of our wonderful homeland! Our products are intended for culinary enthusiasts, for those appreciating specialties and pure, natural flavours, while rejecting products containing artificial aromas and colours that flood our world, and respecting traditions. We sell our pálinkas in small batches.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Golden Apple Bedded Pálinka
Elixir Matured Szabolcsi Apple Pálinka
Characterisation: On the nose, it shows nice characteristic apple notes with the sweetness of bedding. A prominent sweet flavour, somewhat overshadowing the intense acidity and freshness of apple. A pleasant, good drink.
Characterisation: The fruity character of apple is nicely complemented by the pleasant spices of the barrel. The woodiness of the barrel is not prominent, it is in smooth harmony with the floral, cinnamon notes of apple. The taste is sweet, reminiscent of apple juice. The spicy apple and barrel notes complement each other on the palate as well. A long finish.
Pot Still Strawberry Pálinka
Pot Still Rowan Pálinka
Characterisation: Opens with an intense, lively fragrance, as if showing off. Fruity notes are supported by oily notes characteristic of the variety. The taste is nice, fruity, with strawberry notes. Could be more intense on the palate but gives a pleasant drink.
Characterisation: Opens with marzipan and cinnamon on the nose, with perfumed, fresh characters. A complex taste, sweet, astringent wittiness, with a medium finish.
Vintage: 2018
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 38%
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2018
Medal: Silver
Medal: Silver
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Medal: Silver
Medal: Silver
medal
medal
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE THE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Gold Quince Bedded Pálin- 38 ka
2019
Silver
Sufficiently spicy, sweet vanilla notes on the nose in addition to the characteristics of dried fruit. The taste is sweet with slightly short spiciness and a medium finish.
Gold Grape Bedded Pálinka 38
2018
Silver
Pleasantly sweet, sufficiently fruity aroma with honey and raisin notes. The taste is seductively sweet, full-bodied and a bit alcoholic. A long-lasting, thrilling Pálinka.
SQ Fürtös Sour Cherry 52 Pálinka
2018
Bronze
The nose shows restrained varietal character. The taste is pleasantly fruity with light kernel notes and mild pungency.
SQ Black Cherry Pálinka
52
2018
Bronze
The nose opens with pungent, faint fruity notes, accompanied by high alcohol content. The taste is dominated by tired, cumbersome notes. An ordinary product.
Elixír Fürtös Sour Cherry 40 Pálinka
2019
Bronze
The taste is expressive with a clearly recognisable, mildly overripe character, and discreet candy tones. Charming flavours and rich fruitiness blend with chocolate notes. A moderately intense, pleasant, fine pálinka.
SQ Szabolcsi Apple Pálinka 52
2018
Bronze
medal
medal
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Hungarian Pot Still (Kisüsti) 50 Apricot Pálinka
Silver
Crisp and light nose with effusive floral and citrus notes, the delicate rose accents mingle harmoniously with apricot tones. A slightly greenish character hides in the background. The jam-like palate is accentuated by a mild dark chocolate character and a hint of honey but the pungency of the alcohol spoils the overall impression.
2019
The aroma is very slow, reluctant to open. Both the nose and the taste show metallic notes. Prominent sweet flavours and pungent skin notes on the finish. A passable pálinka.
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SIKLOSSY PÁLINKA
MÁRKHÁZI PÁLINKA
web: www.siklossypalinka.hu e-mail: kamisakft@gmail.com address: H-7800.Siklós, Csukma-dűlő hrsz.:3660
web: www.markhazipalinka.hu e-mail: markhaza@markhazipalinka.hu address: H-3075 Márkháza Hrsz.:05/2
The Siklóssy Pálinka Manufaktúra offers the essence of fruits unique in flavour and aroma, harvested on the Mediterranean climate hillsides of Siklós. In our pálinkas we serve you the liquid gold hidden in god-given fruits. The ripe fruits are bathed, rested on a bed of 14-16 degree mash, up until they reach their desired condition for optimal distillation, reborn from their alcoholic ecstasy. Fractional distillation creates a wonderful harmony of fragrance and taste in our distillates. Filled in an elegant bottle, prepared to meet you.Legeredményesebb termékek
Our distillery was launched in the autumn of 2009, and in 2019, after 10 years of operation, Márkházi Pálinka joined the DunaPro Group, embarking on the road to further development. The previous pot still system was replaced by state-of-the-art technology which enhances the soft and fruity character of our pálinkas. Our passion is to make Hungarian pálinkas of traditional flavours. In the wide range of today’s products, we represent tradition combined with innovative processes and technologies.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Márkházi Premium Irsai Olivér Grape Pálinka Siklossy Apricot Pálinka
Siklossy Irsai Olivér Pálinka
Characterisation: On the nose, pleasing, sweet, floral, jammy notes. A discreet fragrance. The taste shows a slight kernel aroma reminiscent of bitter almonds, with a quick finish.
Characterisation: Closed, reluctant to open on the nose, but characteristic of the variety. It could do with some freshness. The taste is Irsai-like, reminiscent of ripe fruit. A harmonious, long finish.
Characterisation: Dry, woody, fluffy on the nose, hardly recognisable varietal characters. Reminiscent of cooked compote on the palate, not an outstanding taste.
Characterisation: In addition to delicate floral notes, a touch of citrus on the nose, showing fragrances reminiscent of syrup. Could be crisper on the palate. The taste is sweet, with slightly overripe raisin character. An agreeable yet somewhat ordinary product.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage:
40% Medal: Silver medal
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Alcohol content (% V/V):
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Medal: Silver
Medal: Silver
medal
Márkházi Premium Apricot Pálinka
2019
Medal: Bronze
medal
medal
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT:
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
SIKLOSSY Pálinka
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Cherry 40
2019
Bronze
Pleasantly floral on the nose, with slight chocolate and marzipan notes but overripe fruit notes emerge as well. The taste is slightly one-dimensional with excessive bitter kernel notes and a tinge of cloves and a short finish. A passable pálinka.
Márkházi Premium Sour 40 Cherry Pálinka
2020
Bronze
Pleasant and restrained, the nose displays moderate floral notes. Punch flavours with a hint of marzipan and bitter kernel notes on the palate. A pleasant, enjoyable pálinka.
SIKLOSSY Williams Pear 40 Pálinka
2019
Bronze
The nose is restrained, reluctant to open and lacks freshness. The taste shows characteristic pear notes but the Williams character is rather thin.
Márkházi Premium Plum 40 Pálinka
2019
Bronze
Plum notes are recognisable, slightly spicy but also slightly oxidized. The taste shows pronounced kernel tones and pleasant spiciness. An agreeable, decent pálinka.
Sour
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SAVANYA PÁLINKAHÁZ
BÁNKI PÁLINKAHÁZ
web: www.savanya.hu e-mail: geza@savanya.hu address: H-7171 Sióagárd, Leányvár hrsz. 1423/A.
web: www.bankipalinka.hu e-mail: szikora67@gmail.com address: H-2653 Bánk hrsz. 024/17
Style in the bottle.
“Pálinka is what we make and sell - but it is atmosphere, sensations and emotions that we create.”
Our pálinka house is located 5 km from Szekszárd, in the cellar village of Leányvár in Sióagárd. It has been operated and owned by our family since 1986. The heart of the Leányvár cellar village is the place where past meets present. A distillery combines two facilites, the first one was founded in 1958 and the second in 2013. Our family has been distilling pálinka from the raw materials of the area for more than 30 years. Our new Pálinka House was established as a greenfield development and features one of the best state-of-the-art distillation equipment in the country. The new distillery gives an unrivalled experience, as visitors can walk through a corridor to follow all the stages of distilling. The building includes a tasting room and a flagship store, too, with a capacity of 40-50 persons.
Bánki Pálinkaház is a family business established as a greenfield development. It started operating in 2012, on December 6th, the day of St. Nicholas - the patron saint of pálinka. Bánki Pálinkaház is a commercial business, aiming to make profit. As the word “spirit” stands both for alcohol and the soul, we bring spirit to fruit, bringing it to life, enabling it to fulfill its destiny when it gets to the consumer with its unique flavours. Since the establishment of our pálinka house, we have been committed to making top quality pálinka which is the key aspect of our commercial activities.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Apple Pálinka Matured in a Wooden Barrel, Golden Ribbon Selection
Bedded Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka Characterisation: Restrained on the nose, with liquor cherry and fruity notes bringing the varietal character. The taste is spicy, full-bodied with a medium finish. Beautifully composed. The bedding is slightly overstated which makes it sweet.
Cserszegi Fűszeres Grape Pálinka
Jonagold Apple Pálinka
Characterisation: Opens with neutral grape notes on the nose, not showing much of spicy deep tones. On the palate it is sweet and spicy, with distinct raisin notes.
Characterisation: Slightly pungent on the nose, with a moderate varietal character. The taste is general, with slightly waxy, bitter notes.
Vintage: 2018
Vintage: 2018
Vintage: 2018
Vintage: 2018
40% Medal: Silver medal
Alcohol content (% V/V): 38%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Medal: Bronze
Medal:
Characterisation: The fragrance of fresh apple is overshadowed by a rather medicine-like character. The taste is a bit bitter, tired, woody. A bit less than a harmonious aftertaste.
Alcohol content (% V/V):
medal
Medal: Bronze
Bronze medal
medal
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Bedded Gypsy Sour Cherry 38 Pálinka
2018
Bronze
The nose is restrained but the sour cherry candy character and the fruity notes clearly point to the varietal character. The palate is spicy, beautifully composed, full-bodied with a medium finish. The bedding was slightly overdone, leading to an overly sweet taste.
Bedded Apricot Pálinka
38
2019
Bronze
The nose shows subdued, vague fruity notes. On the palate prominent kernel notes and light spiciness. A mediocre drink.
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE THE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Aranyszalagos Barrel Aged 40 Apple Pálinka
2018
Bronze
Excessive medicinal tones suppress the crispiness of the apple on the nose. The taste is bitter, tired, woody. The aftertaste does not make it completely harmonious.
Blackcurrant Pálinka
Bronze
Intense medicinal and restrained fruity notes on the nose with a whiff of woody and peppery notes and a hint of cocoa powder. The taste is rather greenish, slightly boiled, a bit pungent.
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: 44
2018
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HOLZINGER PINCÉSZET ÉS PÁLINKAHÁZ
ZWACK KECSKEMÉTI PÁLINKA MANUFAKTÚRA
web: e-mail: holzinger7@freemail.hu address: H-9155 Lébény, Fő u. 82 / B.
web: www.zwackunicum.hu e-mail: gozony@zwackunicum.hu address: H-6000. Kecskemét, Matkói út 2
“Our heart and soul in every single drop!” Our family has been engaged in viticulture and wine production for a decade, in the middle of our homeland in the Little Hungarian Plain (Kisalföld). In recent years, we have extended our activities with the distillation of pálinka and other spirits, and with gastronomy, too. Our own plantations are located in the territory of the former Moson County, in the part of Mosonszentmiklós adjacent to Lébény, on the centuries-old vineyards of Mosonszentmiklós, while our wine and pálinka manufactory is located in Lébény. Our drinks are born from the noble dust of our lovely, fertile Homeland and the neighbouring Pannonhalma wine region. We are happy to serve our delicious drinks to our dear Visitors!
In the Kecskeméti Párlat Manufaktúra, where authentic Hungaricums are born, top quality is the minimum expectation. Thanks to continuous improvements, the distillery has become one of the best state-of-the-art pálinka distilleries in Europe. Approximately 8-20 litres of quality pálinka are extracted from the 700-litre tanks (depending on the type of fruit), which shows well that quality is the top priority, instead of quantity, at the Zwack Kecskeméti Pálinka Manufaktúra. It is no coincidence that the Zwack Nemes and Kosher pálinka range is well-recognised not only in Hungary but internationally as well.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Holzinger - Sour Cherry Pálinka Characterisation: Complex, fruity notes on the nose with deep kernel characteristics. The taste is refreshing, almost crisp. Pure, acidic, solid cocoa notes with beautiful elegance. If it is given some time, it reveals its true charm.
Holzinger - Cabernet Sauvignon Grape Pálinka
Hírös Kecskeméti Apricot Pálinka
Characterisation: Prominent citrus character on the nose, with impressive notes of quince. Clear variety characters. Intense fruit notes on the palate with a soft, non-pungent mouth-feel.
Characterisation: Prominent jammy sweet notes on the nose, showing slightly arid notes as well. The taste is fruity, jammy. A decent drink with a medium finish.
Vintage: 2018-19
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Restrained and neutral on the palate, with wine-like, exaggerated fragrances. A remarkable spicy taste with black chocolate notes and a touch of grape marc. A complex, harmonious, full-bodied drink.
Vintage: 2020
Vintage: 2018
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Medal: Gold
Medal: Silver
medal
Zwack Sándor Nemes Quince Pálinka
Medal:
Medal: Silver
Gold medal
medal
medal
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Zwack Sándor Nemes 40 Besztercei Plum Pálinka
Silver
Sweet spiciness on the nose. The taste shows more personality with pleasantly floral and sweet notes followed by delightful marzipan kernel tones.
2017
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ÖREGETESI PALÓC PÁLINKA
SCHMIEDER PÁLINKAHÁZ
web: www.etesipalinka.hu e-mail: etesipalinka@gmail.com address: H-3136 Etes, Öregetesi út 37.
web: www.schmieder-palinkahaz.hu e-mail: schmieder2@freemail.hu address: H-7183 Kisvejke Pálinka u. 1. “Preserving the tradition of kisüsti pálinka distilling”
We aim to produce unique spirits by preserving the flavour and outstanding nutritional values of rightly famous Hungarian fruits. The distillery serves its customers with the full cycle of production, from processing raw materials to producing the drinks. We also provide modern equipment during the process. Our goal is to introduce the most esteemed pálinkas - produced in line with Palóc traditions - to the country and the world. The distillery offers an outstanding selection of pálinkas made from wild fruits of the region.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Our family business has been producing pálinka since 1992. In 2013, we opened our commercial pálinka distillery in the middle of the fruit-growing area of Kisvejke, Tolna County. We operate a traditional pot still (“kisüsti”) equipment together with an aroma tower mounted on a modern refining cauldron. The equipment is heated by a steam boiler which ensures gentle distillation of mash made from fruits grown in the region. By visiting the distillery you can follow the whole process of pálinka making from mashing to bottling, and taste the great drinks as well, of course.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Apricot Pálinka
Sour Cherry Pálinka
Characterisation: A pleasing aroma, reminiscent of fresh citrus, fresh ripe fruit flesh and freshly cooked jam. Slight floral notes on the nose. The taste shows the sweet character of the apricot, which is complemented by the marzipan tones of the kernel. In addition, a greenish character and the bitterness of the apple cob and apple seed can be detected as well.
Characterisation: Distinct liquor cherry notes on the nose, with marzipan variety character. Prominent kernel notes on the palate, and a slightly bitter, pungent finish.
Vintage: 2018
Vintage: 2018
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Alcohol content (% V/V):
Medal: Silver
Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka Characterisation: Fresh, crisp and floral notes on the nose with charming varietal character. Chocolate and smoky notes on the palate, making it full-bodied and beautiful. A lasting, memorable drink.
44% Medal: Silver medal
medal
Dwarf Elder Pálinka Characterisation: Fruity fragrances on the nose, with slight notes of tutti-frutti and linden honey. A bit restrained on the palate, with a short finish. The honey-like, sweet notes show its varietal character.
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT: NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Williams Pear Pálinka
44
2019
Silver
Non-intrusive, moderately intense, clearly identifiable Williams pear character on the nose. The palate is full of generous crunchiness and expressive varietal character.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Pear Pálinka
44
2018
Bronze
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
The pear notes are difficult to recognise, the aroma is restrained, short, closed. The taste is sweet and spicy with a pungent finish.
Quince Pálinka
44
2019
Bronze
Medal: Gold medal and Champion award
Medal: Silver
Quince is recognisable but subdued and dull on the nose. The taste is dominated by compote tones reminiscent of quince cheese. The finish is short and evaporates very quickly.
medal P Á L I N K A
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GULÁCSI PÁLINKÁK
GÁBOR PÁLINKAHÁZ
web: e-mail: jozsef.czapp@gmail.com address: H-4842 Gulács, Szilvásszeg dűlő 0197/2
web: www.gaborpalinkahaz.hu e-mail: gaborablaktechnika@gmail.com address: H-7400 Kaposvár, Kanizsai u. 56.
In 2004, the company Első Magyar Szilvapálinka Kft. (First Hungarian Plum Pálinka Ltd.) acquired the Gulács pálinka distillery which had been operating since 1952. The distillery has become one of the best state-of-the-art and popular distilleries in the region, thanks to continuous investments and expansions. We make pálinka from each of the local fruits typical of the Bereg region. In addition to apple, sour cherry and pear, there is a unique fruit only to be found in this region: the main fruit of Bereg’s private gardens, the so-called “nemtudom” (“I don’t know”) plum, the primary raw material of the Gulács manufactory. We passionately love pálinka, so we would do anything for it. We try to reinvent it every day, to turn the fruits of our region into “smiling, cheerful, seductive, exciting” pálinkas not only for our own pleasure.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Sehova - Sour Cherry Pálinka
Seres - Quince Pálinka
Characterisation: Sour and sweet cherry fragrances on the nose, complemented by the punch-like, wild fruit, floral notes with the marzipan hints of the kernel. An exciting, fresh and lively drink. Soft and silky on the palate, the compote flavours are pleasantly complemented by chocolate and marzipan. Overall, it is reminiscent of fresh sour cherry juice, with slight apple notes in the background. Remarkable fresh fruit notes and a long finish. A thrilling pálinka.
Characterisation: Floral, citrus, intense pear notes on the nose. A bit restrained and shy. Citrus notes with pear on the palate, a bit pungent, which suits it well. A nice pálinka with a long finish.
Vintage: 2017
Vintage: 2019
40% Medal: Silver medal
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Alcohol content (% V/V):
Medal: Silver
Apricot Pálinka 2019
Gypsy Sour Cherry Pálinka 2019
Characterisation: A prominent overripe fruit character with citrus and floral notes. On the palate, it is spicy and creamy, with intense jam notes. A thrilling, harmonious, nice drink.
Characterisation: On the nose, rich fruit notes, reminiscent of sour cherry compote. Marzipan and chocolate notes accompanied by mild herb notes. On the palate, sweet and sour flavours, with prominent marzipan, then bitter chocolate and sour cherry aromas. A medium-bodied, harmonious and complex pálinka.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Medal: Silver
Medal: Silver
medal
medal
medal
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT:
EREDMÉNYTÁBLÁZAT:
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Elnézés - Apple Pálinka
Bronze
The nose displays spicy, waxy, clove notes but lacks freshness. The taste is excessively pungent with a short finish.
40
The GáBor Pálinkaház started its operations in 2017 in Kaposvár. In the first year, our pálinka range consisted of 12 varieties, and in 2018 we already had 16 varieties. The 2019 distillates are still waiting to be bottled. These three series of pálinkas have helped us to lay the foundations for Kaposvár’s first commercial and subcontract distillery because our goal is to handle distillation in our own tax warehouse. We are dedicated to protecting the Hungarian pálinka culture and the integration of pálinka into gastronomy. We have organised several themed pálinka dinners and we believe that our Pálinka and Events Terrace, currently under construction and located under an exclusive glass pergola, will host many more pálinka events.
2017
NAME OF PÁLINKA ON THE ALCOHOL CON- VINTAGE BOTTLE TENT (% V/V)
MEDAL
DESCRIPTION
Quince 2019 Pálinka
Bronze
The aroma is moderately intense, with subtle citrusy, waxy, spicy notes of quince. It opens reluctantly, the nose shows slightly oxidized compote notes. The taste is dominated by skin and seed tones. The finish is short with astringent notes and an acerbic and burning sensation in the throat.
44
2019
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DESTILLERIE SCHMITZ PÁLINKAFŐZŐ – CSERSZEGI PÁLINKA
SÜMEGI PÁLINKAHÁZ
web: e-mail: cserszegipalinka@gmail.hu address: H-8372 Cserszegtomaj, Dombhát u. 2/B
The culture of pálinka consumption. CserszegiPálinka is a way of thinking. The whole of Hungary within a glass. It is natural. Thanks to the unique microclimate of the Carpathian Basin, fruits grown here are worth distilling. At the Schmitz Distillery, you can choose your favourite from more than 20 varieties. We only offer selected pálinkas made from top quality ingredients. We live as part of nature. Consumption of our pálinkas is intoxicating for our senses, their aroma and taste are typical of the fruit. A good pálinka leaves a long aftertaste. If you are a hedonist, you enjoy life with a delicious pálinka. Real magic happens if you do it with good friends and a glass of CserszegiPálinka. Good pálinka brings people together from all walks of life. Responsible drinking, with good friends, helps to leave behind the most stressful of days. We are miracle workers, producing CserszegiPálinka and bringing the spirit of fruit to your home so that you could taste it.
web: www.sumegipalinka.hu e-mail: info@sumegipalinka.hu address: H-8330 Sümeg Eitner F.u.153/9.
Our pálinka distillery in Sümeg has been operating since September 2015, with a double profile: subcontract distilling and commercial pálinka production. To expand our activities, our showroom will soon be completed with the intention to serve the culture of pálinka making and consumption through culinary and cultural events. Our commercially available fruit pálinkas are made from pure, high-quality and ripe fruit, so they keep their aroma and taste thanks to the special, one-stage aroma tower distillation process.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Cserszegi Plum Pálinka
Cserszegi Fűszeres Grape Pálinka
Apple Pálinka
Plum Pálinka
Characterisation: Complex spiciness, pleasant but not too intense on the nose. A prominent taste of cloves, with deep characters and a harmonious, caramel aftertaste.
Characterisation: Slightly wine-like and neutral on the nose, with prominent grape skin character. In addition to the citrus, waxy, slightly woody notes of the peel, slight floral fragrances and grape marc notes can be detected. Hints of muscat on the palate with spicy, slight honey and raisin notes. Moderate, with a short finish.
Characterisation: Closed, slightly stuffy and citrus character on the nose. Lack of freshness on the palate, with a bitter seed character on the finish.
Characterisation: A floral, honey-like candy fragrance overshadows a slight fruit character. Quite simple on the palate, with straight fruity notes.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2017
Vintage: 2016
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Alcohol content (% V/V):
40% Medal: Bronze medal
Alcohol content (% V/V):
40% Medal: Bronze medal
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Medal: Silver
medal
Medal: Bronze
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Keve Manufaktúra
TOKAJ SPIRIT
web: www.kevemanufaktura.hu e-mail: tibor@kevemanufaktura.hu address: H-2074 Perbál, Levendula utca 1.
Our company, Gradiens Kft. was founded in 1990 and operates as a family business in Perbál. In 2014 we entered the market under the name Keve Manufaktúra with our fruit pálinkas. For the products, we purchase the fruit from a verified, external supplier and we carry out the mashing, distilling, maturing and bottling ourselves. The pálinka is produced by tower distillation and bottled with a uniform 42% alcohol content in six different flavours. Our products meet the highest quality requirements and expectations, as evidenced by our successful participation in the National Pálinka Competition, the Quintessence Pálinka Competition and the Destillata International Distillate Competition. Our intention and aspiration is to produce high-quality, delicious products for our customers so that we can deliver an extraordinary experience.
Tokaj Spirit started its operation in 2012 with the stated intention to present a new, unknown side of the centuries-old Tokaj wine region through its pálinkas made of fruits grown in the Tokaj-Hegyalja region.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Aszú Grape Marc Pálinka Characterisation: Intense spicy notes with a combination of raisin and walnut characters on the nose. On the palate, a smooth harmony of grape marc and barrel tones. The vanilla flavour lingers in the throat for a long time. Vintage:
2017 Alcohol content (% V/V):
44% Medals:
Aszú Grape Pálinka
Gönci Apricot Pálinka
Characterisation: Restrained notes on the nose with barely noticeable fruity character. Similar notes on the palate. A decent, pleasant drink.
Characterisation: Opens with slightly dull, sweet, candy-like notes, reminiscent of apricot compote and jam. Barely recognisable barrel tones. Somewhat tired notes on the palate, weak, overshadowing the aroma of the fruit. Reminiscent of dried apricots. A short finish, with a vague character. No specific barrel character.
Vintage 2018
Vintage 2018
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 42%
Medal: Bronze
Medal: Bronze
medal
Gold medal and Champion award
medal
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GÁTI PAPA PÁLINKFŐZDE
ARANY KAPU
web: www.gatipapa.hu e-mail: leppeti@gmail.com address: H-7333 Kárász, Ady Endre u. 2.
web: www.aranykapu.eu e-mail: aranykapu@aranykapu.hu address: H-6413 Kunfehértó, IV. körzett 6
In May 2015, the Gáti Papa Pálinkafőzde és Fogadó started its operations in Kárász, a small settlement in the Northern part of Baranya County. Initially they served future subcontract distillers exclusively. Given the seasonal nature of subcontract distilling, we started making our own branded pálinkas and spirits for commercial sales in August 2019. Our products are sold under the Gáti Papa Pálinka brand name. We try to procure raw materials from nearby fruit growers, aiming for a short supply chain and support for local businesses. For the time being, the pálinkas are sold locally. Our guests have the opportunity to visit the distillery and take part in tastings on site.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
“There is no superfluous material in nature, we just need to know how to extract it in order to make it suitable for the enjoyment and the service of humans.” Established in 1970, the Kunfehértó plant carries out full-scale, environmentally friendly controlled processing of wine by-products. The procedure is unique in Hungary, using a complex technology, producing raw alcohol, grape marc pálinka, calcium-tartrate, grape seeds and heat energy from grape marc and wine lees. The distillation and refining capacity is suitable for wine distillation as well. In addition to wine by-products, Arany Kapu Ltd. purchases a significant amount of fruit every year for the purpose of making pálinka. We produce a wide range of pálinkas and spirits in our beverage production plant, and sell our distillates and pálinkas mostly to our subcontract manufacturers and distributors. As a distillery and spirits company, Arany Kapu Ltd. is member of the Hungarian Spirits Industry Association and Product Board and the WIDEN Association founded by European wine distillery organisations.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCTS
Gáti Papa Plum Pálinka
Gáti Papa Apricot Pálinka
Characterisation: The fruit is recognisable, with very restrained notes on the nose. A hint of spiciness in addition to the kernel character with light marzipan notes. The taste shows a prominent kernel character with a pungent aftertaste. A pleasant, nice drink.
Characterisation: Recognisable apricot notes on the nose. Opens reluctantly. Apricot jam character with floral, citrus, honey notes. The taste shows jam notes too, complemented by kernel character and astringent notes. A short finish with astringent and greenish notes. A decent product.
Vintage: 2019
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 44%
Vintage: 2017-2018
Vintage: -
Medal: Silver
Medal: Bronze
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
Alcohol content (% V/V): 40%
medal
medal
Halasi Csipke Plum Pálinka
Halasi Csipke Apricot Pálinka
Characterisation: Closed and dull on the nose, with difficult-to-recognise plum notes. The taste is sweet but empty, with a short finish.
Characterisation: Generous, seductive jam notes on the nose. Could be more intense. The taste is full, with apricot and mild jam notes. A greenish velvety finish. An agreeable, nice, decent drink.
Medal:
Bronze medal
Medal: Bronze
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PINTÉR PÁLINKA web: www.pinterpalinka.hu e-mail: info@pinterpalinka.hu address: H-4200 Hajdúszoboszló, Szováti útfél 122/3 hrsz
I started my business in 1992 at the initiative of my father who had the idea to build a pálinka distillery. Hence the name Pintér Pálinka. I started my activity as a sole proprietor until my business was transformed into a limited company in 2013. At the beginning I started with subcontract distilling, and I have worked in commercial distilling since 2007. In my distillery, genuine Hungarian pot still (“kisüsti”) pálinka is produced from 100% fruit, using a traditional Hungarian method, i.e. double distillation in a copper tank. Each 0.5 l bottle of Pintér pálinka contains a distillate of a minimum of 5 kg of fruit. I feel that it is my obligation to respect the name, so I personally supervise and manage quality, right from the purchase of raw materials through fermentation and distillation to the bottle. Commercial activities could even create a family tradition. They provide an opportunity for my children to go on and spread the word about our pálinka, to make it known as widely as possible, always keeping in mind the impeccable quality and the merits of Hungaricums.
MOST SUCCESSFUL PRODUCT
Muscat Ottonel Grape Pálinka Characterisation: Moderate varietal character on the nose, with a muscat, spicy, slightly floral, greenish note. The taste is deeper, fuller, grape marc-like, reminiscent of compote, with a prominent seed character and a slight pungency on the finish. Overall, a decent drink with restrained aromas and flavours. Vintage
2019 Alcohol content (% V/V):
44% Medal:
Bronze medal