The apple pálinka produced by the NVMEN Pálinka Distillery in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County (eastern Hungary) won the grand prize at this year’s National Pálinka and Törkölypálinka Competition, Világgazdaság reported.
Forty-seven commercial distilleries took part in this year’s pálinka competition organized by the National Pálinka Council (PNT), with a total of 332 entries, said László Mihályi, president of the PNT, at the award ceremony. These were analyzed in advance by the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih). Three entries had to be disqualified, which the PNT president said was a very good ratio, indicating that pálinkas are steadily improving and are increasingly complying with legal requirements. A total of 39 gold medals were awarded at the competition, 17 of which also won the Champion title.
Pálinka is a drink with a long history that has become part of our culture and is defined by law,
said Beáta Olga Felkai, Deputy State Secretary for Food Chain Supervision at the Ministry of Agriculture, at the award ceremony. She emphasized that pálinka producers also face a number of challenges, including those affecting their supply of raw materials. This year, a significant part of the fruit harvest was lost to frost, but on the other hand, climate change means that pálinka can be made from an increasing variety of fruits. Consumer habits are also not favorable for pálinka distilleries, as alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks are becoming increasingly popular among young people.
According to the food safety authority, only 5% of pálinka samples tested are found to be problematic, which is lower than for other alcoholic beverages.
The most important winners of the 2025 competition are:
Hungary’s most successful pálinka distillery in 2025:
1st place: 1 Csepp Pálinka
2nd place: Sáppusztai pálinka distillery
3rd place: Cibakházi pálinka distillery
Best pálinka with over 10,000 bottles:
Bolyhos pálinka distillery – Black Cherry Pálinka
Best Pálinka in Hungary in 2025:
NVMEN pálinka distillery – Szabolcsi Apple Pálinka
Fact
Pálinka is Hungary’s protected fruit spirit made from locally grown fruits, while törkölypálinka is distilled from grape pomace, blending the traditions of pálinka-making and winemaking.
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Via Világgazdaság; Featured photo:Facebook/Pálinka Nemzeti Tanács
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