Zwack Pálinka Distillery and Visitor Centre

The Zwack distillery on the southern edge of Kecskemét is the modern home of one of the great Hungarian apricot pálinka brands. The visitor centre includes a small museum on the history of pálinka, an explanation of the double-distillation process used for the finest fruit brandies, a tour through the working still rooms, and a tasting of three or four pálinkás of escalating strength.

The apricot pálinka — clear, fiercely fragrant, served chilled in a tulip-shaped glass — is the local pride. Honey, plum, pear, and cherry versions are also produced. Allow 90 minutes for the tour and tasting. Book ahead, particularly at weekends. Bottles can be bought on site at lower-than-shop prices. Do not plan to drive afterwards.

things to do sight
A story
Kecskemét apricot pálinka has Protected Designation of Origin status under EU law — only pálinka distilled from apricots grown on the Hungarian Great Plain can use the name. The orchard land around the city was so suited to apricot trees that during the 19th century the entire local economy ran on the fruit, with thousands of small distilleries operating in courtyards across the region.