Riga Black Balsam Bitter, 0,5 L, 45%

Riga Black Balsam Bitter, 0.5 L, 45%

Velvety balsam liqueur from Latvia

The Riga Black Balsam, which is also known as Riga Black Balsam in German-speaking countries, is a traditional Latvian liqueur with 45% vol. The liqueur is black in color and is made using various herbs, flowers, berries and oils.

The history of Riga Black Balsam Bitter

Riga Black Balsam is one of the oldest alcoholic products in Europe. It was first mentioned in 1752. At that time, it was produced by the Riga pharmacist Abraham Kunze, who used even older and very traditional recipes from Riga pharmacies. The liqueur quickly found favor with the citizens and is said to have even cured the Russian Tsarina Catherine the Great when she visited the city and fell ill.

The legend of the cured Tsarina spread quickly and the liqueur became very famous first in Russia and later in the rest of the world. The recipe from back then was largely retained and the distinctive stoneware bottle became the symbol of Riga Black Balsam or as it is called in Latvia - Rīgas Melnais balzams. The liqueur is produced by the company AS Latvijas balzams, which is considered one of the leading manufacturers of spirits in the Baltic states.

The history of AS Latvijas balzams goes back to 1900. The company now has two production sites in Riga and employs over 600 people. While one factory mainly produces high-proof spirits, the second site focuses on sparkling wines and drinks with a lower alcohol content. The company's portfolio includes over 100 spirits and liqueurs, with Riga Black Balsam definitely holding a special position.

Production and enjoyment of Riga Black Balsam Bitter

The liqueur gets its bitter-sweet taste from the maceration of various herbs, berries and spices in alcohol. The exact recipe is top secret, but die-hard "balsamists" suspect 24 ingredients, of which honey, valerian, peppermint, wormwood, blueberries and raspberries, orange peel, nutmeg, ginger, oak bark, black pepper, birch buds, arnica, calamus roots and linden blossom are known. After maceration, the Latvian liqueur is stored in oak barrels, where its aromas harmonize.

Black Balsam is traditionally added to hot coffee or tea. In winter, it is also popular to warm the liqueur with sugar water or blackcurrant juice. It can also be used in cocktails. Its aromas harmonize wonderfully with aquavit, vodka or fruit brandies. Most often, however, it is enjoyed neat or on ice after a meal. A wonderful liqueur that is worth trying!