HISTORY OF BESTILLO

“Fusing traditions with the most modern technology.”

Believing in permanent values ​​and being confident enough to show them to others: this is our job and this is our life.

There was a village with a magical location and name at the gates of the Zemplén Hills where, as children we spent our summers among the trees of apricot orchards. Later, desire and curiosity scattered us: to a big city, to universities, to gain experience in the other parts of the world. There were those who went as far as New Zealand to meet again as young adults to bring our fresh knowledge and faith back to Boldogkőváralja (literally “At the Foot of the Happy Stone Castle”). This is how BESTILLO was born. Always wanting the best, blending local, ancient traditions with vibrant, youthful energies. For us, BESTILLO means much more than simply a pálinka (Hungarian spirit) distillery: it encompasses everything we share about life. We could talk about pure fruit, accurate technology, but all of this is only a consequence of our conviction: time is too precious to waste on the mediocre.

EXPERTISE

“Quality means you still do something even if nobody sees it.”

Pálinka distillation begins not when creating the mash, but at the fruit trees.

At BESTILLO we take great care to choose the fruit for our pálinka not only according to type and quality but also to terroir, the land where it grows. We cultivate our own Gönc apricot orchard organically and harvest the fruits very carefully. Like the guild masters, our master distillers gathered knowledge and experience in search of the very best. We know the fruits, the effects of changes in nature, the soils and the local centuries-old traditions just as intimately as the latest trends and techniques. We make pure pálinkas that clearly carry the character of the fruits and the added human knowledge and experience. We enjoy what we do and we are always delighted when others also enjoy BESTILLO pálinkas.

IT’S GOOD TO GIVE!

“We can always find a reason to be aware.”

Our surroundings have always given us plenty – the time has come for us to give back something.

We operate in a transparent and environmentally friendly way, keeping regulations, and we expect the same from our partners and employees. We are closely connected to nature, our environment and the people who live in it, who are not only our employees but also the custodians of the traditions related to peaches and orchards in Gönc. We want to contribute to enriching people, nature and business in harmony and balance, supporting each other. We hope that this is not a policy of social and environmental responsibility but simply common sense. He who receives a lot should give. We have received abundantly from this region, now we want to give back too. To restore the rank of the special Gönci peach that is only grown here. Jobs, appreciation. Ultimately, the hope is that the countryside is beautiful and liveable.

ABOUT US IN THE PRESS

“It’s worth growing Gönc apricots as long as we live.”

Making trips to Boldogkőváralja has always been worthwhile due to its cultural richness. Nowadays, we have one more reason to visit as one of the best spirit distilleries in the country has been operating here since 2005.” (Deluxe Magazine)

“Bestillo pálinkas are special because they are made in their distillery that uses the most modern technology, including aroma column. They add nothing artificial and the by-products do not harm the environment. The two young married couples behind the brand are devotees of high-quality Hungary pálinka culture.” (Dívány: Spicc column)

“The organisers of the Gönc Apricot Festival have undertaken no less than to mark the most appropriate place for the tastiest Hungarian apricot. In the world of pálinka, BESTILLO Gönc Apricot pálinka has received the highest accolades from consumers and judges alike.” (Playboy)

“Now they are planning to make premium local products from Gönc apricots: jam, dried fruit, natural fruit products. I would like to introduce as many people as possible to the unique delicacies made from these special apricots, that also provide work to the local community and passing on the tradition of fruit growing at a high level, creating value. It’s worth growing Gönc apricots on this land as long as we live.” (Borászportál – online wine magazine)

GÖNC APRICOT

Protection of origin, it belongs to us.

“Better with soda than whisky, better in tea than rum.”

Prince Edward thus praised apricot pálinka. What would have been his opinion if he had tasted it neat? Maybe he would never have drunk anything else?! If it’s apricot pálinka, then it should be from Gönc apricots! The Gönc apricot enjoys protection of geographical indication. It grows in 45 villages and towns in the region around BESTILLO: the soils here and the climate are ideal for it, and there are also a host of local traditions and fruit-growing experience and knowledge. In short, the Gönc apricot is ours. It belongs to us. This is where it is genuine. It can’t be found elsewhere. Enough reasons to definitely get to know it?

 

PÁLINKA TASTING

If it’s good, it’s good!

We welcome visitors with a pálinka tasting and a free distillery tour in Boldogkőváralja, one of the most beautiful places in Hungary. During their time here, visitors not only learn the secrets of pálinka distillation but can also taste the most popular and special BESTILLO pálinkas. In addition to the view of the picturesque landscape, you can also request local Zemplén dishes matching the pálinka line. Come and visit us, bring your friends and colleagues to an exciting pálinka tasting at BESTILLO Pálinka House! If you want to get acquainted with the famous Gönc apricot pálinka, the most delicious dishes of the area, the essence of the gastronomy of the region, then get in touch!

 

Minimum number: no
Maximum number: 50 people
Opening times: Mon-Fri: 8-16
Saturday: 10-18
We welcome pre-booked groups outside of opening hours.

+36 46 306 628
+36 70 423 9318
info@bestillo.hu

GASTRO TOUR

The “garden to table” experience

Boldogkőváralja and its surroundings also offer memorable experiences for those who like gastronomic adventures. At BESTILLO pálinka tastings, we offer local, organic snacks to match the spirits or even a full menu. There are no sugary soft drinks, ready-made foods and ingredients that are available anywhere. Only quality food, where we also make sure the ingredients are healthy and seasonal and don’t travel too much. Visit us, take part in a free distillery tour and taste the best of the gastronomy of the area as well as our pálinkas!

Just fifteen kilometres from Boldogkőváralja is one of the best rural restaurants in the country, Anyukám Mondta (literally “My Mom Said”).

Inquire by email and we will be happy to help you compile foodie programmes and gastronomy:

info@bestillo.hu

BOLDOGKŐVÁRALJA

“We are in the world so we can be at home somewhere in it.”

Boldogkőváralja lies at the foot of the Zemplén Hills, 40 km from Tokaj, 22 km from Mád. The village is named after the castle rising on the hill above. The castle built in the 13th century was once the most important fortress on the Hernád Valley. Its history is closely entwined with that of the village. Many famous figures from history visited: the castle captain was Mátyás Dévai Bíró, the “Hungarian Luther”, and poet Bálint Balassi also stayed several times in the village. He wrote his poem Borivóknak (To wine drinkers) in the castle. The sights at the castle include the exhibition of the past and present of the Gönc apricot. Boldogkőváralja’s local history exhibition is in a beautiful peasant house: tickets for the castle are also valid here. The National Blue Hiking Trail (Országos Kéktúra) crosses the village and the stunning area is a perfect place for a trip, hiking, bike ride. There are comfortable guesthouses for those who wish to enjoy the region for a few days.

Boldogkőváralja is the centre of the Gönc apricot. An enormous contiguous apricot orchard which glows golden from the protected Gönc apricots in July surrounds the castle.

Visitors can find out about local sights and current events on the ABA Tourist Association website (in Hungarian only).