Pálinka and Spirits Contest Draws Record Number of Entries

A record number of more than 2,400 samples competed at the 15th anniversary E Hungary, and Spirits Competition in Debrecen, the organizers told MTI on Sunday.

A total of 2,402 samples were entered from 151 settlements in Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Serbia. This is an absolute record in the history of domestic and international pálinka competitions, the statement said.

The jury awarded the title ‘Best Commercial Distillery 2025’ to the Sáppuszta Pálinka Distillery, while the ‘Best Pálinka 2025’ prize was won by the apricot palinka of Kövér Pálinka Distillery.

In this year's competition, the best private and contract distilled spirits were judged separately, and 2nd and 3rd place products were also awarded. The samples were judged by an international panel of 31 judges.

The awards gala held at the University of Debrecen was attended by around 400 people.