Unicum Riserva Double Aged Herbal Liqueur 70 cl 40%

In the cellars of the Zwack family in Budapest stand casks that have aged herbal liqueur for more than 85 years. In one of them, Unicum Riserva takes on its first layer of character, before it gains a second from a completely different world, the Hungarian Tokaj wine region.

Expert Description

Unicum Riserva Double Aged Herbal Liqueur is a Herbal Liqueur from Zwack, finished in Tokaji wine casks and bottled at 40%.

Unicum Riserva is the Zwack family’s super-premium take on the classic Unicum, and it stands apart through its double ageing process. The first stage takes place in the largest and oldest oak cask in Zwack’s cellar, a cask that over decades has developed a thick coating the family calls "black honey", lending the liqueur extra depth. From there, the herbal liqueur is moved into casks from Izabella Zwack’s Dobogó winery, previously used to age Tokaji wine. This gives Unicum Riserva a softer, more fruit-driven character, with a hint of dried apricot layered over the familiar bittersweet Unicum taste.

The Unicum name is said to date back to 1790, when the family’s court physician reportedly offered Emperor Joseph II his home-made herbal liqueur. The company itself was founded in 1840, and the round bottle with the red cross remains one of Hungary’s most recognisable spirits brands today.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Dried apricot and honey intertwine with bitter herbs and a touch of warm oak.

Palate

Bittersweet with a deep herbal character, where the second maturation in the Tokaji cask brings a soft, almost wine-like sweetness and notes of raisin.

Finish

Long and lightly bitter, with a warm trail of honey and ripe fruit that fades slowly.

Specifications

Name: Unicum Riserva Double Aged Herbal Liqueur
Distillery: Zwack
Region/Country: Hungary, Budapest
Type: Herbal Liqueur
ABV: 40%
Size: 70cl
Cask type: Oak cask, finished in Tokaji wine cask
EAN no.: 5995099442204
Serving suggestion: Best enjoyed chilled as a digestif, ideally after a meal

Flavour Profile

Bittersweet · Herbal · Fruity · Rounded

Did You Know?

According to the family’s own story, the Unicum name traces back to Emperor Joseph II, who after tasting the herbal liqueur is said to have exclaimed "Das ist ein Unikum!", meaning "This is one of a kind!", unwittingly coining the name of one of Hungary’s most famous products.

See our full range of Unicum

Frequently Asked Questions about Unicum Riserva Double Aged Herbal Liqueur

What is Unicum Riserva?

Unicum Riserva is a super-premium version of the classic Hungarian herbal liqueur Unicum from Zwack. It undergoes a double ageing process, first in an old oak cask and then in a cask that previously held Tokaji wine.

What is the difference between Unicum Riserva and regular Unicum?

The key difference is the extra maturation in a Tokaji wine cask, which gives the Riserva a softer, more fruit-driven character with notes of dried apricot compared to the classic Unicum.

What does Unicum Riserva taste like?

The taste is bittersweet with a deep herbal character, honey and dried fruit, finishing long as the sweetness from the Tokaji cask slowly fades.

How should Unicum Riserva be served?

It is best served chilled and neat as a digestif after a meal, though it also works well over ice on a warm evening.

Where does Unicum come from?

Unicum is a Hungarian herbal liqueur from the Zwack family business in Budapest, said to date back to 1790 when the family’s court physician first brewed the drink for Emperor Joseph II.

Does Unicum Riserva make a good gift?

The round bottle with its iconic red cross and the story behind it make Unicum Riserva a fitting gift for the curious spirits enthusiast who already knows the more common liqueurs.