Is the pálinka market really dying?

In early April the National Council of Pálinka (PNT) issued a statement that the pálinka market is dying, and it can only be saved by drawing a line between pálinka and distillates made for home consumption. Since the changes in legislation in 2015 pálinka sales have been at a standstill.

PNT reckons this is because of the black market that has emerged for home-made distillates, as the law in force allows making much more spirit than one can consume. Let us add that there is another problem: the majority of pálinka drinkers sense no big quality difference between a well-made home pálinka and premium products – revealed an unofficial survey in the sector. //