Pálinka

Palinka (Hungarian: pálinka; Romanian: palincă) is a traditional type of brandy that is produced in Hungary and in the Transylvania region of Romania.

It is usually made out plums (traditionally called "szilvórium"), apples, pears (called "vilmoskörte pálinka"), apricots ("fütyülős" barack) or cherry ("cseresznyepálinka") and is double distilled. The contents of alcohol are between 50 and 65-70%. A less alcoholic version (around 40% alcohol content) is called ţuică in Romania. The most powerful kinds of palinka are referred to as "kerítésszaggató" in Hungarian, which literally means "to tumble over palisades" and refers to a drunkard's loss of balance.

In 2004, Hungary (along with 4 counties of Austria) received the exclusive right for the name "pálinka" as a trademark from the European Union, given to beverages distilled cleanly from fruits. The manufacture of palinka has always been heavily regulated by the state and only licensed distilleries are allowed to legally boil spirits from fruits. Moonshining activity is still considered significant both for illegal palinka trade pruposes and home consumption needs. Improperly distilled palinka can contain methyl alcohol, which is a poison and can cause blindness or death. Very bad (often home-made) palinka is called "guggolós", meaning you will try to pass cowered under the window of a house where you were given it, so they cannot see you and won't get a chance to help you to it again.

Traditionally palinka was an important part of the village-people's dietary. Their agricultural work in the fields was physically demanding and their menu consisted mainly of bread, lard, fat green bacon (speck) and onions. A shot of palinka with its high alcohol content helped digest such an unhealthy diet. However, alcohol abuse was also common, such that a shepherd could boast of his ability to master one liter of palinka and still be able to fold his flock. Palinka is still being distilled in significant quantities, but alcoholists (drunkards) have since switched to the cheapest wines, mostly due to the premium price tag that palinka commands.

Compare

• Rakia, a brandy made throughout the Balkans
• Ţuică, a similar drink in Romania.