“”That’s our mission to figure out what is Hungarian cider.” – András Kovács, Bright Cider
Hungary has long been known for its wine, but a new generation of cider makers is creating a fresh identity rooted in apples, tradition, and innovation.
Recorded during in Budapest, this episode features Bright Cider co-founders András Kovács and Marcell Lukatis, who share how a skiing trip to France inspired them to launch a cidery dedicated to traditional method sparkling cider.
From forgotten Hungarian apple varieties to bottle-conditioned ciders aged for years under cork and cage, Bright Cider is helping shape what modern Hungarian cider can become.
In This Cider Chat
- How a French ski trip sparked the idea for Bright Cider
- Why Hungary’s first Cider Salon marks an important milestone
- The founding of the Hungarian Cider Association
- Making traditional method cider with secondary fermentation in the bottle
- Why Bright Cider ages its ciders two to three years before release
- Discovering forgotten Hungarian cider apples
- The story behind the Húsvéti Rozmaring apple
- Producing single varietal, blended, quince, and ice ciders
- Why the cidery chose traditional method over forced carbonation
- The challenges and opportunities facing Hungarian cider today
- Plans to plant heritage apple and perry pear orchards
- Building a future tasting room in Etyek
Ciders Discussed
Bright Cider Almás
- Traditional method sparkling cider
- Bottle conditioned
- Blend of dessert apples
- Aged two to three years before release
- ABV: Add
Bright Cider Rozmaring (“Rosie”)
- Traditional method sparkling cider
- Single varietal
- Húsvéti Rozmaring apple
- Bottle conditioned
- Purple dragon label
- ABV: Add
Bright Cider Birses
- Traditional method sparkling cider
- Apple and quince blend
- Uses Vranja quince
- Bottle conditioned
- ABV: Add
Bright Cider Ice Cider
- Single varietal Húsvéti Rozmaring
- Cryoconcentrated
- Traditional method
- Small percentage of quince in the first vintage
- ABV: Add
Apple and Pear Varieties
Apples
- Húsvéti Rozmaring
- Dessert apple blends
Quince
- Vranja
Perry Pears (Future Orchard)
- Plant de Blanc
- Additional French and British perry pear varieties
People, Places, and Businesses Mentioned
- Bright Cider
- Budapest, Hungary
- Etyek
- Hungarian Cider Association
- Hungarian Cider Salon
- Ancha Gergely – Abaliget Garden Project
- Kovács Gyula
- Lake Balaton
- Cool Down Cocktail Bar
- Fermentis
- Mont Saint Michel
- Baltic Cider Association
Contact Info for Bright Cider
- Website: https://brightcider.hu
- Location: Etyek, Hungary
Mentions in this Cider Chat
- Listen to previous Cider Chat conversations from Hungary, including Ancha Gergely and the Abaliget Garden Project.
- Episode 502 Hungary Uncorked
- Read more cider news from across Europe at eCiderNews.
- Zsolnay Fountain/ Pécs, Hungary
- Learn more about upcoming cider travel experiences with Totally Cider Tours.
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