Latvian balsam, specifically Riga Black Balsam, is a unique and traditional herbal bitter that is crafted using a combination of 24 carefully selected ingredients. These ingredients include a variety of herbs, roots, berries, fruit juices, honey, burnt sugar, and some very specific components such as golden withy, gentian, and Peruvian balsamic oil.
The use of these diverse ingredients is what gives Riga Black Balsam its complex and distinct flavor profile. Each ingredient contributes its own unique characteristics, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas. The herbs and roots add earthy and herbal notes, while the berries and fruit juices provide a touch of sweetness and fruity undertones.
One of the key ingredients in Riga Black Balsam is golden withy, which is a type of willow tree. This ingredient imparts a subtle bitterness and astringency to the balsam, adding depth and complexity to its taste. Another essential component is gentian, a flowering plant known for its bitter properties. The inclusion of gentian further enhances the overall bitterness of the balsam, balancing out the sweetness from the honey and burnt sugar.
Peruvian balsamic oil is another intriguing ingredient in Riga Black Balsam. This oil is derived from a tree native to Peru and has a rich, resinous aroma. It adds a touch of exoticness and depth to the balsam, making it even more interesting and unique.
The process of creating Riga Black Balsam involves carefully macerating and blending these ingredients together, allowing their flavors and aromas to infuse and develop over time. This traditional method of production requires patience and expertise, as the proportions and combination of ingredients need to be just right to achieve the desired flavor profile.
Having had the opportunity to taste Riga Black Balsam myself, I can attest to its complex and intriguing nature. The initial sip reveals a bold and robust herbal character, with hints of dark berries and a subtle sweetness. As the balsam lingers on the palate, the bitterness becomes more pronounced, leaving a pleasant and lingering aftertaste.
Latvian balsam, specifically Riga Black Balsam, is made from a combination of 24 carefully selected ingredients. These include herbs, roots, berries, fruit juices, honey, burnt sugar, golden withy, gentian, and Peruvian balsamic oil. The blending of these ingredients results in a complex and unique herbal bitter, with a balanced interplay of flavors and aromas.