Riga Black Balsam Currant

In the crafting process we use our unique single-barrel infusion technology. Botanicals are infused in a spirit-water mix to create what we call “Riga Black Balsam essence”. After that, the essence is blended with the rest of the ingredients, such as honey, caramel, natural juices, and bottled in natural clay bottles that retain the original unique appeal and preserve the qualities of the drink.

Riga Black Balsam Currant | 200ML Tasting Notes

Nose: Mature berry aroma.

Palate: Sweet and sour flavours with hints of berry.

Finish: Half-bitter finish on tongue.

Distillery Information

At the end of 13th century Marco Polo brings first balsams (herbal extracts) to Europe from his China quests. 13th – 17th centuries via Hanseatic League balsams became known across the Europe and Russia owing to European merchants. A pharmacist named Kunze crafted the famous Riga Black Balsam recipe in 1752. First balsam (herbal extract) recipes in Riga were found from 16th century, however pharmacists’ records do not keep the exact date. Riga pharmacist Kunze was accused in press of “borrowing his recipe” from the records above in 1737. In 1752 Kunze produced his famous drink already at industrial volumes. According to the tradition only the Head Liquor Master and his two apprentices know the secret recipe. The recipe was utterly lost in 1939 when German population left Latvia before Soviet occupation. After the WWII in 5 years the recipe was carefully restored from shreds by joint effort of former employees. Since then the recipe is unchangeable.

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