Palinca de Maramures is the Romanian version of a traditional brandy that can be traced back to the middle ages. Unlike the Palinka (produced in Hungary that claims to have invented it), which is made with various fruits, the "true" Romanian Palinca uses well ripen fermented plums as the base ingredient, giving it a distinctive aroma. Palinca is usually enjoyed before lunch or dinner, alone or along with an appetizer. It is served either at room temperature or chilled; in each of the cases different components of its aroma become predominant. For those who grew up with Palinca, there's nothing like it!