Medronho

The Arbutus unedo grow wild on the poor soils in rural regions of Portugal such as Lousã and the inner Algarve (in such places like Marmelete and São Marcos da Serra).

Therefore, good Aguardente de Medronhos was not easily found in supermarkets but instead bought mostly directly from these farmers.

Very few farmers had a license for distillation, but they were tolerated by the authorities to keep this traditional Portuguese specialty alive.

A commercial derivative, sweetened with honey and flavoured with herbs, is sold under the brand names Brandymel[1][2] and Dom Cristina.

The spirit obtains this name from the hot sensation as the consumed beverage travels down the throat and is felt through the sinuses.