Brand
Riga Balzam
Riga Balzam (better known as Riga Black Balsam) is a traditional Latvian herbal balsam/liqueur made from herbs, flowers and berries and produced in Riga. The classic expression is bottled at 45% ABV and is created using a single-barrel infusion technique in oak casks, which gives it a characteristic bittersweet profile and dark color.
- Riga · Latvia
- 2 products
The story
The traditional recipe dates back to 1752 and is attributed to pharmacist Abraham Kunze of Riga; over time the drink became known as Rīgas Melnais balzams. Today the product is produced and marketed by the group operating under the Amber Latvijas Balzams brand, preserving the historic recipe alongside modern product lines and flavored variants.
Production philosophy
To preserve a centuries-old heritage while valuing the balsam's pharmaceutical tradition: using selected botanical blends and an infusion technique that enhances body, balanced bitterness and versatility of use (neat, on the rocks or in cocktails).
Territory
Latvia, city of Riga (production and historical origin of the product)
Production method
Single-barrel infusion technique: botanical ingredients (herbs, flowers, roots, berries) are macerated/infused in a neutral spirit and the extract is treated in oak barrels, then blended and bottled.
Ageing
Partial infusion/maturation in oak barrels to develop aroma and flavour profile.
Characteristics
- Type
- Brand
- City
- Riga
- Categories
- traditional balsam
- herbal liqueurs
- amari
- Latvian brand
- Raw materials
- herbs and spices
- flowers
- berries and fruits
- neutral spirit (vodka)
- water
- Casks and ageing vessels
- oak
- Representative products
- Amaro Black Balsam 70cl - Riga Balzam
- Black Balsam 1752 70cl - Riga Balzam
- Riga Black Balsam Original 70cl
What makes it distinctive
- Historic recipe attributed to 1752 (Abraham Kunze).
- Produced using a single-barrel infusion technique and matured in oak barrels.
- Classic version at 45% ABV; range includes fruity and flavored variants.
- Produced and marketed by the Amber Latvijas Balzams group.