Spirit Style

Three names carry the northeast: Szatmári Szilvapálinka, Szabolcsi Almapálinka, and Újfehértói meggypálinka. All three are protected pálinkas, and all three are mostly crystal clear, yet each tells the story of a different fruit.

Szatmári Szilvapálinka is the plum spirit of the Szatmár region. In the glass it smells of ripe plum, often followed by a hint of marzipan from the stone, and on the palate it's dry, warm, and round. Those familiar with Zwetschgenwasser from southern Germany will find a counterpart here: similar fruit, but its own origin and its own rules. Time after distillation also shapes the flavor, since it's only after a few weeks of rest that the sharpness settles and the fruit steps forward.

Békési Szilvapálinka also comes from plums, but hails from the Körös region in the southeast. It is the closest relative of Szatmári Szilvapálinka and differs from it mainly in territory, not in fruit. Comparing the two side by side, the difference lies in fine nuances: a bit more roundness here, a bit more spice there, depending on the house.

Szabolcsi Almapálinka smells of fresh apple, is lighter and more floral than the plum spirit, and carries no stone-fruit notes. It is the spirit of the apple-growing region, where the protected Szabolcsi alma also grows.

Újfehértói meggypálinka is the strictest of the three pálinkas. It requires at least 40% ABV, pitted sour cherries from specific varieties and villages, and a minimum of three months' rest in stainless steel. Its aroma sits between the citrus of the fruit and an almond note. Plum comes across round and warm, apple fresh and light, sour cherry clear and tart.