As the beginning of a new tradition, plum and plum pálinka plays the most important role in the 6th Annual Pálinka Festival of Budapest between May the 5th and 8th, 2011. The visitors will have the chance of tasting hundreds of different spirits; in addition, this year they can taste the Plum Pálinka of the Year, made by the best pálinka distillers of Hungary. Also, it`s the first fully non-cash festival of the country; all payments will be done with a pre-paid card.

Similarly to the Pálinka and Sausage Festival of Castle Buda which takes place every fall, the Budapest Pálinka Festival is about to be renewed. Whereas in the Castle a different country presents their spirits to the public every year, this spring, fruits and pálinkas are in the spotlight.

The first in a row of many is one of the tastiest and probably most important fruits in pálinka-making: plum. More than 25 exhibitors and distillers will be offering their goods at the festival. The gastronomic experience will be complete with homemade cheese, wine, champagne and of course the house of sausages. Visitors will have the chance to try pálinka and chocolate combined, a combination that represents a new dimension in pálinka tasting. In addition to the usual flavors, this year there will be a selection of special delicacies made of plum.

Plum Pálinka of the Year is a new initiative. This superior spirit is created by the best distillers of Hungary, and it`s a combination of the finest plum pálinkas. The Budapest Pálinka Festival will be the first opportunity to taste this limited edition pálinka, which comes in a special packaging.

Another novelty is the new payment system. Thanks to OTP Bank, from this year on the old voucher system is replaced with a next generation PayPass electronic payment card. Each visitor gets their individual electronic pre-paid card along with their ticket. This card will allow them to pay quickly and simply everywhere during the festival. Furthermore, the card can be used again after the festival.

More informations about the program here!