Pálinka is more than a drink for countries like Hungary and Romania: it’s tradition. They both dispute the origin of the drink, but the name is clearly Hungarian. Regardless origin, this is the most popular drink in the region, and deserves a festival of its own.
The Budapest Pálinka and Sausage Festival is a highly anticipated event, that will take place on Castle Hill starting today, and will last till October 6, 2013. Visitors to the city have four days to sample pálinkas from over twentyfive pálinka distillers from the region, but also great food paired with this popular drink, provided by 10 sausage, wine and cheese makers. Another highlight of the festival is the participation of Cuba, with its national drink, the rum.
This edition, by popular demand, the organizers also included Rézangyal blending courses. During the blending course, participants will create their own blend of plum pálinka with its own unique scent, taste and strength, using four different plum pálinkas.
At its 7th edition this year, the festival has enjoyed great success in the past, quickly becoming a locals’ favorite. But it now attracts more and more tourists, some of which design their vacations around this event. If you happen to be in town, and you plan to give palinka tasting a try, bring cash.