Riga Black Balsam 1752 ORIGINAL Recipe is a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur from Riga, whose origins date back more than 260 years. The complex recipe is based on a total of 24 different ingredients, including herbs, roots, berries, fruit juices, honey and caramelised sugar. Added to these are characteristic ingredients such as golden willow, gentian and Peruvian balsam oil. A distinctive feature of the production process is the special single-barrel infusion technology. In this process, selected botanicals are first steeped in a mixture of alcohol and water, producing what is known as the Riga Black Balsam Essence. Although the ingredients used are known, the exact details of this production process are a closely guarded secret and, according to the manufacturer, are known in full only to the Master Distiller and his apprentice.


After infusion, the concentrated herbal essence is blended with further ingredients such as honey, caramel and natural juices. It is then bottled in the distinctive natural clay bottle, which not only defines the historic appearance of Riga Black Balsam but is also intended to help protect the spirit. With a robust 45 per cent ABV in the 0.7-litre clay bottle, the Original Herbal Bitter is intense, bittersweet and exceptionally versatile. The combination of the original recipe from 1752, 24 ingredients, single-barrel infusion and production in Riga makes Riga Black Balsam one of Latvia’s most traditional spirit specialities.

Tasting Note

Colour: Very dark brown to almost black.

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

Palate: Complex and bittersweet with gentle lime blossom, raspberries, huckleberries, honey and caramel, complemented by spicy ginger, nutmeg and tart herbal notes.

Finish: Long-lasting, robust and warming, with bittersweet herbal spice and subtle lingering spicy notes.

Riga Black Balsam Original can be enjoyed neat or used as a versatile ingredient in cocktails and long drinks. It pairs particularly well with cola, lemonade or a cherry drink. For layered shots, the manufacturer recommends thicker fruit juices such as mango, peach or banana, on top of which the herbal bitters are layered. Thanks to its intense blend of herbs, spices, fruit and bittersweet components, Riga Black Balsam is also ideal for creative uses in the kitchen.

Distributor/Importer:

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

Nutritional Information:

EAN:

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