In 1752, a Latvian pharmacist by the name of Abraham Kunze developed a potent elixir from 24 different plants, roots, spices and oils that was said to cure just about anything that ailed you, from malaria to sword wounds. Kunze sold his herbal balsam in clay bottles priced to match the grandiose claims, around 60 euros in today’s terms. But saving the life of an Empress is priceless; Catherine the Great reportedly fell ill during a visit to Riga (then part of the Russian Empire) and was successfully treated with Kunze’s miracle drug. Today, anyone can imbibe this cure, royal title or not.
What began as a humble herbal remedy has become Riga Black Balsam, an internationally-acclaimed and award-winning liquor. It has been produced in the same Riga factory since 1900 using Kunze’s original recipe, though this reportedly took five years to recreate when the secret was lost during World War II. While the 24 ingredients – which include Peruvian balsam oil, black pepper, ginger, and valerian root – are widely known, the production technologies are not. Apparently only three people know the steps involved, and I’m not one of them. All I can tell you is that the ingredients are mixed in an Austrian oak barrel that was made without nails or glue.
Locals still consider the drink to be good for their health, particularly during the cold winter months. With 45% alcohol content, a few sips will certainly warm you up! The flavor of the amber liquor is very bitter and indeed medicinal. I much prefer the sweeter taste of Riga Black Balsam Currant, a blend of the original liquor and black currant juice. (Note to tourists: Look for the bottle with the purple label. This will be your best Riga souvenir.)
Riga Black Balsam is produced by AS Latvijas Balzams, a company that has expanded to include 130 brands and sell 60 million bottles annually. Their most famous export is Stolichnaya Premium Vodka. That’s right, the Stoli you’ve enjoyed in cocktails around the world is produced right here in Riga, Latvia! The Russian-style vodka has been made at the Latviajas Balzams factory since 1948, when Latvia was a part of the Soviet Union. When the USSR was dissolved in the 1990s, the state-run company was privatized and the rights to export Stoli vodka remained in Latvia. (So those boycotting Stolichnaya in protest of Russia’s anti-gay laws would do well to reconsider as it’s actually the Latvian economy that’s hurt.)
During a unique opportunity to tour the factory, we sampled several Stoli products, including the popular “Salted Karamel” flavor which tastes remarkably (dangerously?) like candy. The real treat, though, was getting to quaff Stolichnaya Elit, one of the best vodkas in the world. Triple distilled and frozen to remove impurities, Elit is exquisite, with a velvety-smooth texture and clean aftertaste. I actually preferred it to the flavored one, which was a surprise.
The tour of the factory ended with a professional bartender showcasing the liquors’ versatility to the best of his ability. Riga Black Balsam Currant and Malibu Coconut Rum are a match made in heaven.
Have you ever tried Riga Black Balsam?Â
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Hmmmm. I’ve never been much of a drinker, but that black currant one does sound yummy! Maybe drizzled over some vanilla ice cream. Sigh…
Ooh, or pancakes!
I had no idea they offered tours – cool! I’m not a huge fan of the stuff, but have been gifted bottles on more than one occasion. Many years ago some roommates (one of whom was also Latvian-American) and I invented a new ice cream flavor that we should have suggested to Ben & Jerry’s. It’s vanilla bean ice cream, fudgy brownies, and Riga Black Balsam. We christened it Baltic Brownie Bash. 🙂
I’m not sure they offer tours – this was a special event 🙂 And that ice cream sounds amazing! Actually, I think the Ekselence brand has something similar. I’ll be on the lookout this summer.
Brownies and Balsam – that’s an ice-cream flavour I had in Riga 18 months ago. I haven’t tried baking brownies with it though – I reckon it’s worth a go.
I bet it would be good mixed in with caramel sauce, like grown-up turtle brownies.
I have not tried it but it certainly looks mighty fancy and tasty! What a set up they had, too! When in Riga…;-)
They were understandably proud of their factory and high-quality products! And I was only too happy to sample them 🙂
Awesome post! I’ve forwarded it to a few of my non-Latvian friends who have sampled MB at our house – I never do a good job of explaining what it is. And thank you for bringing up the Stoli boycott, I feel that a lot of people didn’t know it is actually produced in LV.
Thanks, Liene! I only learned that Stoli was produced in Latvia after moving to Riga. But hopefully we can help spread the word 🙂
Looks like a fun tour! I’d love to try it. I’ll have to keep an eye out for Riga Black Balsam here in the US; you never know what you can find!
That’s true! You might be able to find Balsam in a well-stocked liquor store, especially if there’s a large Latvian community in the area!
I’ve never had or even heard of the Riga Black Balsam, it looks like it’s a very powerful drink. I’m sure that I’d need less than a glass to feel more than tipsy 😉
A few sips is all I need, Franca! 🙂
Glad you got to experience this. I’m not a drinker but like to hear about the history.
Learning about the history was the best part!
I’ve never heard of Black Balsam, but I’d sure like to know more about it! Do you have any idea if tours are available somewhere as we will actually be in Riga in a few months, and I think it would be quite interesting?
You will want to stop by Black Magic in Old Town. It’s a bar that specializes in Black Balsam drinks. I actually haven’t been yet, because I didn’t think I would like the stuff, but will probably start taking my visitors there 🙂
I never cared for the stuff, which I was exposed to frequently as a Latvian-American, until I visited Riga a couple years ago and had a hot toddy sort of drink made from it at a restaurant – it was very tasty. Bottom line – don’t do shots or drink the stuff straight – it works better as an ingredient.
Someone else just told me the same thing yesterday – don’t drink it straight. The black currant flavor was actually palatable to sip by itself, but I agree, it’s definitely better mixed into a cocktail!
Hello,
I can vouch for the Black Balsam & black currents combo. A few years ago, a friend in Riga suggested it for my sniffles and they were gone the next day.
On one of our earlier trips to Latvia (mid-nineties),\ we engaged a driver with a Volkswagon.
By coincidence, his wife accompanied us on trip to Aglona (she was born near there). In talking to her, she revealed that during the Soviet occupation. she had worked for Balzams. She recited all 24 ingredients, but confirmed that the proportion and mix was a secret. The department she worked for, had a task of coming up monthly (if my memory serves me right) with a different mix/brand of liqueur. During a lunch stopover, she served us a wonderful tasty egg/lemon mix of “adult beverage”.
Last November, a family friend gifted us with a bottle of Black Balzams Cream Liqueur. Have not had an occasion to taste it. We’ll find one, though!
Enjoy!
Wait, there’s a Black Balsams Cream Liqueur? Why haven’t I tried this yet?? Thanks for the tip 🙂
Incidentally, I heard there is a lovely cathedral in Aglona and I hope to visit it some day!
There is one, indeed – you can read more about Cream Liqueur (and all the bitter range) at Official Riga Black website.
By the way – there are some really nice recipes not only for drinks but other foods are there as well. So, if you got a bottle presented by Latvian friend and wonder what could you do with it – there are clues… 😉
Thanks for the tips, Valters! That tiramisu sounds delicious! 🙂
Hi Heather – I enjoyed reading your thoughts/experience about RBB. I also had the privilege of touring the “secret vault” while living in Latvia and thought maybe for those wanting to know a little bit more about the history of the drink, they could read my write-up? You can find it at:
http://fallinginlovewithlatvia.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/riga-black-balsam-full-story.html
Cheers (or prieka),
Emily
Thanks for the extra information, Emily! I’m happy to share it 🙂
Prieka!
as someone who is all about trying the local alcohol of a place, i hide my head in shame knowing i was intimidated of this drink. no idea why…… but im determined to give it a shot when im back 🙂
I was intimidated by Black Balsams, too, but that’s mostly because I kept hearing how strong and bitter it was. But that doesn’t have to be the case. I had it again recently in some specialty cocktails at an Old Town bar and really enjoyed it! The mixers are key 🙂
Hello Heather: Is there a web site for the Riga Black Balsam’s Factory? And is there a way to purchase a Riga Balzams shot glass? Thanks
Hi Christopher, here is the link to the Latvijas Balzams English website: http://www.lb.lv/en/. I was told the shot glasses are sold at most of the Balzams stores in Old Riga but haven’t confirmed that yet. There are lots of stores – look for the yellow Latvijas Balzams signs. Cheers!