Riga - Black Balsam (700ml)
Price: $30.33
| Producer | Riga |
| Country | Latvia |
| Region | Riga |
| Style | Cordials & Liqueurs |
| Sku | 03811 |
Riga Description
RIGA BLACK BALSAM ORIGINS
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.
WHO FIRST CRAFTED BLACK BALSAM
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.
THE LOST RECIPE
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.
INGREDIENTS
Riga Black Balsam made from 24 all natural ingredients, including 17 botanicals. The ingredients that contribute to the complex and versatile flavour of Riga Black Balsam include common roots and herbs such as Valerian, Wormwood, Black Pepper, and Ginger, as well as rare ingredients such as Gentian and Peruvian Balsamic Oil.
PACKAGING, THE 25TH SECRET COMPONENT.
The final ingredient in the Riga Black Balsam formula is the bottle itself. Once the herbal infusion has matured and the rest of ingredients has been added, the resulting black liquid passion is bottled in the same type of clay bottle historically used for this purpose.
Clay is a natural material and for the first six months after bottling the flavour of Black Balsam continues to develop as the ingredients interact with the bottle.
CRAFTING PROCESS
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.
TASTING NOTES
Contemporary bitter-sweet taste of a complex herbal notes.
Combines the gentle sweetness of linden blossoms, raspberry, huckleberry, honey and caramel.
Savory touch of ginger and nutmeg.
Versatile taste, perfect for modern mixology and even cuisine.
CONSUMPTION
Enjoy in shots layered on top of thick juice (for example mango, peach, banana).
Mix with cola, lemonade or a cherry beverage.
A perfect additive for any type of cocktails.
