As we discovered at the Zwack factory a few weeks back, it takes a gruelling afternoon of tasting to identify the subtle nuances of pálinka, and to even begin to recognize all the different flavors. Because although official, EU-approved definitions of pálinka are not as crystal clear as the spirits themselves, what seems to set the Hungarian specialty apart from lesser distillates from around the world – such as Obstler and Grappa – is the shear variety on offer. Almost anything can be made into pálesz and, as reported on Caboodle.hu before the days of Chew.hu, the Agárdi Pálinkafözde leads the way in experimenting with new and exotic fruits. Since our last prying visit to Agárd, that palette has been extended further to include three even more exotic and distinctly un-Hungarian fruits – pomegranate, banana and orange. The “Tropical Collection,” available for Ft 4,700 a bottle from the Agárdi webshop, is distilled using the same technology as Agárdi’s more conventional varieties, with no sugar or other additives, ensuring that the 40% proof shot is exceptionally pure. So pure in fact, that there is no shame in confusing your plums with your pears. As for your Pomegranates, well, that’s a different story.
UPDATE: Some liquor snoots have pointed out that the fruit must be grown in Hungary for the booze to qualify as pálinka. So strictly speaking, the “Trópusi Kollekció” is not really pálinka, but it sure as hell tasted like it here.
