Riga Black Balsam 1752 Original Recipe is a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur from Riga, whose recipe dates back more than 260 years. A total of 24 different ingredients are combined in its production, including herbs, roots, berries, fruit juices, honey and caramelised sugar. Other characteristic ingredients include gentian, golden willow and Peruvian balsam oil. A distinctive feature is the elaborate production process: Selected botanicals are first used to create the so-called ‘Riga Black Balsam Essence’ in an alcohol-water mixture, using a special single-barrel infusion technology. The exact details of this process are a closely guarded secret and, according to the manufacturer, are known in full only to the Master Distiller and his apprentice.


After production, the concentrated herbal essence is blended with other ingredients such as honey, caramel and natural juices. The Riga Black Balsam is then traditionally bottled in natural clay bottles, which have long since become a hallmark of the brand. With a robust 45 per cent alcohol content, the Original Herbal Bitter combines a complex herbal character with bittersweet, spicy and fruity notes. The 0.04-litre miniature bottle is ideal for getting to know this Latvian speciality, for tastings or as a small addition to gift sets. The combination of the original recipe from 1752, 24 ingredients and traditional production methods in Riga makes Riga Black Balsam one of Latvia’s best-known spirits specialities.

Tasting Note

Colour: Dark brown to almost black.

Nose: Intense and complex with herbs, roots and spicy notes, accompanied by honey, caramel, berries and subtle floral accents.

Palate: Full-bodied and bittersweet with multi-layered herbal notes, a gentle sweetness of lime blossom, raspberries, berries, honey and caramel, complemented by spicy ginger and nutmeg.

Finish: Long-lasting, dry and warming with complex herbal spice, delicate sweetness and lingering spicy notes.

Riga Black Balsam Original can be served neat as a shot, slightly chilled or as a versatile cocktail ingredient. For simple long drinks, it can be combined with cola, lemonade or a cherry drink. The manufacturer also recommends layered shots with thicker fruit juices, such as mango, peach or banana juice. Thanks to its intense bittersweet herbal character, Riga Black Balsam is also ideal for enhancing various cocktails and even for selected culinary applications.

Distributor/Importer:

Distributor/Importer: Amber Beverage Austria GmbH, In der Au 2, 6341 Ebbs, Austria, austria@amberbev.com

EAN:

• Delivery in 1-3 business days
• Free shipping on orders over 150 €
• Shipping costs 5,90 €
• Tracking included