Pálinka
Palinka (Hungarian pálinka; Romanian palincă; Slovak pálenka) is a traditional type of brandy that is produced in Hungary, Slovakia, Carpathian Ruthenia and in the Transylvania region of Romania. The origin of the word is Slavic stemming from the word páliť (in Slovak) which means to distill.It is also made in France under the name Eau de vie, or water of life.
It is usually made from plums (traditionally called "szilvórium"), apples, pears (called "vilmoskörte pálinka"), apricots ("fütyülős" barack) or cherries ("cseresznyepálinka") and is double distilled. The alcohol content is between 60 and 80%[citation needed]. A less strong version (around 40% alcohol) is called ţuică in Romania. The most powerful kinds of palinka are referred to as "kerítésszaggató" in Hungarian, which literally means "fence-tearer" and refers to a drunkard's loss of balance.
In 2004, Hungary (along with Romania and 4 counties of Austria) received the exclusive right to 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 brew liquor 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 homemade) palinka is called "guggolós" in Hungarian, meaning you will try to pass cowering under the window of the 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 village peoples' diets. Their agricultural work in the fields was physically demanding and their meals consisted mainly of bread, lard, fatty bacon 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 tend his flock. Palinka is still made in significant quantities, but alcoholics (drunkards) have since switched to the cheapest wines, mostly due to the premium price tag that palinka commands.