Riga Black Balsam Element Bitter Latvia 50 cl 40%

In Riga, people have warmed a black balsam in their hands before drinking it since 1752, a liquid secret said to have once saved a Russian empress from stomach trouble. This edition adds ripe cherries to the old formula.

Expert's description

Riga Black Balsam Cherry Bitter is a Latvian herbal bitter at 30% ABV, bottled at 70 cl.

The base formula dates back to 1752, when pharmacist Abraham Kunze in Riga created a medicinal tonic drawing on balsam recipes that already had roots stretching back to the 1500s. Legend has it that the balsam saved Catherine the Great herself from stomach troubles during a visit to the city. The recipe holds 24 ingredients, including birch shoots, raspberry, ginger, black peppercorns, peppermint, lemon leaves and honey, most of them botanicals that are infused before being blended and rested in large oak barrels. Today only the distillery's Head Liquor Master and his two apprentices know the exact ratios. The Cherry edition builds on that dark herbal base with a clear cherry character, giving a sweeter, more approachable route into Riga Black Balsam.

Tasting notes

Nose

Ripe cherries and dark herbs side by side.

Taste

Sweetness and bitterness in harmonious balance, with a clear underlying cherry note.

Finish

Medium length, herbal, with cherry lingering to the last.

Specifications

Name: Riga Black Balsam Cherry Bitter
Distillery: Riga Black Balsam
Country/Region: Riga, Latvia
Type: Herbal Bitter
ABV: 30%
Size: 70 cl
EAN no.: 4750021004858
Serving suggestion: On the rocks, with cola or soda water, or as a cocktail base

Flavour profile

Cherry · Herbs · Sweetness · Bitterness

Did you know?

Legend has it that the original Riga Black Balsam cured Catherine the Great of stomach trouble during a visit to Riga.

See our full range of Riga Black Balsam

Frequently asked questions about Riga Black Balsam Cherry Bitter

What is Riga Black Balsam Cherry Bitter?

A Latvian herbal bitter at 30%, bottled at 70 cl, with a clear cherry character added to the classic balsam recipe.

How is it best served?

On the rocks, mixed with cola or soda water, or as a cocktail base.

How many ingredients are in the recipe?

24 different herbs, spices, flowers, juices and berries.

What is the history behind Riga Black Balsam?

The recipe dates back to 1752, when pharmacist Abraham Kunze created it in Riga drawing on older balsam traditions.

Is the Cherry edition sweeter than the original Herbal Bitter?

Yes, the cherry gives a more approachable, sweeter entry point compared with the purer herbal edition.

Should it be warmed before serving?

Traditionally the balsam is warmed in the hand inside the glass to open up the aromas, but it can also be enjoyed fully chilled.