Pálinka is in danger: climate change is forcing new fruits into the brews

The president emphasized that although there is no need to worry about the quantity this year, the higher than usual rainfall had a negative impact on sour cherries and cherries, many of which rotted on the trees. On the other hand, the early plum varieties ripen well, so this year’s harvest may be favorable from the point of view of making brandy. In the case of grapes, although frost damage occurred, it is expected that a sufficient amount of fruit will reach the brandy distilleries.

László Mihályi also noted that although the possibilities for making brandy do not seem bleak, the brewers do not always get the best quality fruits. As a result of climate change, brandy makers will have to switch to other fruits in the longer term. Peaches, for example, produced only one good year after several bad years in recent years, mainly due to the frosts in May.

To make matters worse, berries such as raspberries and blackcurrants are particularly vulnerable to climate change and may eventually disappear from production altogether. According to the president, kiwi pálinka is already being made in Hungary from locally grown fruit, which is a clear indication that brandy brewing must adapt to new conditions.