New EU Geographical Indication in Hungary

The European Commission (EC) has approved ‘Borzag pálinka’ from Hungary as a new protected geographical indication (PGI).

According to and EC statement, ‘Borzag pálinka’ is a brandy made from elderberries in the Nógrád region in N Hungary. It is characterized by sweet aromas (chocolate, fruit and honey), spicy notes and possibly herbaceous notes (mint, green herbs, vanilla, aniseed, juniper).

‘Borzag pálinka’ has been produced in the county of Nógrád for several centuries. In keeping with centuries-old traditions, almost all the distilleries in Nógrád County make pálinka from elderberry. The plant is known as ‘borzag’ only in these parts (Nógrád county); elsewhere, it is known as gyalogbodza (the common Hungarian term for elderberry).

This new designation will be added to the list of 260 spirit products already protected.