More than 500 samples of spirits have been signed up for the second edition of the Transylvanian Spirit palinka and fruit distillate contest to be organised by the Covasna County Council and the AGROSIC Intercommunity Development Association.

AGROSIC director Igyarto Reka says that the purpose of the competition is to make known the producers of palinka and fruit distillates from Transylvania, to assess the quality of their spirits, and also to contribute to their improvement.

“This year, more than 500 samples of spirits have been included, and the judging will take place this weekend,” Igyarto Reka told AGERPRES.

There will be nine categories: seed fruit – apples and Williams pears; stone fruits (drupes) – apricots, plums, sour cherries; palinka/distillates from the fruit of wild or cultivated fruit-bearing shrubs and semi-shrubs; grapes and grape distillates; multi-fruit blend; mature distillates/palinka or aged on fruits; distillates/palinka of exotic fruits – liqueurs; vegetable distillates and other distillates obtained by maceration or addition of ethyl alcohol, geists.

The awards gala will take place on November 17 at Panorama Event Hall, and there will be awards for “The best commercial distillery Transilvania Spirit 2023,” “The best private distillery Transilvania Spirit 2023,” as well as “The best palinka at Transilvania Spirit 2023,” while exceptional drinks will become champions.

At the 2022 edition, 868 samples from 13 counties in Transylvania and one from Prahova County competed, with 543 of them becoming award winners.

The grand prize went to Rizo Bela and Jaju of Valea lui Mihai, Bihor County, for a red Williams pear palinka. Vass Csongor of Delnita, Harghita County, was named the best private distillery, and Potio Nobilis of Sfantu Gheorghe was designated the best commercial distillery.