The 2025 National Pálinka and Törkölypálinka Competition has opened in Kisvárda

Dr. Gábor Berecz, Tibor Leleszi, Dr. Miklós Seszták, László Mihályi and Attila Csobolya

Dr. Minister Miklós Seszták, Member of Parliament for the region, Tibor Leleszi, Mayor of Kisvárda, and László Mihályi, President of the National Pálinka Council. The event was attended by representatives of the Szatmár-Bereg Pálinka Knighthood Association and the Szabolcsi Pálinka Knighthood, including Grand Master Attila Csobolya and Chancellor Dr. Gábor Berecz.

In his welcoming speech, Mayor Tibor Leleszi highlighted: “Hungarian pálinka is not a drink, but a ceremony.” He emphasized that pálinka tells the story of the land, the people and the masters who bring pálinka to life through the scent of fruit, the craft of cooking and the flavors.

President László Mihályi pointed out that Kisvárda and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg counties are a special location for the competition, as the region can boast three protected pálinkas: the Szabolcs apple, the Szatmár plum and the Újfehértó sour cherry pálinka. He also highlighted the county pálinka knighthoods and the work of the three locally-connected Pálinka National Council lifetime achievement awards, József Papp, László Szilágyi and György Várady.

The special feature of the competition is that in addition to the professional competition, pálinka tastings are organized for the general public every evening at various locations in Kisvárda, where qualified judges introduce interested parties to the art of pálinka tasting. The program series ends on Friday with a gastronomic dinner, at which pálinka appears as a special spice.