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Riga Black Balsam
Traditional Latvian herbal liqueur / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Riga Black Balsam (Latvian: Rīgas Melnais balzams) is a traditional Latvian balsam often considered to be the national drink of Latvia.[2] According to tradition, only the Head Liquor Master and two of his apprentices know the exact recipe.[3] Nowadays, Riga Black Balsam is produced by JSC Latvijas Balzams and has received more than 100 awards at different international fairs throughout its history.[4]
Quick Facts Type, Manufacturer ...
![]() Half litre bottles of Riga Black Balsam: Blackcurrant, Original, and Element (with rum) | |
Type | Liqueur |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Latvijas Balzams |
Country of origin | Latvia |
Introduced | 1752 |
Alcohol by volume | 45% (classic), 43% (XO), 40% (Coffee), 30% (Black Currant and Cherry) |
Proof (US) | 60°–90° |
Colour | Dark brown (classic), dark purple (Black Currant) or dark red (Cherry) |
Flavour | A combination of birch, lime, ginger, cocoa, liquorice baking spices and berries[1] |
Website | rigablack.com |
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More than 2 million bottles of Riga Black Balsam are produced each year and exported to 30 countries.[5] There are several variations of the balsam with blackcurrants, cherries, and even brandy.[2]