Amber Beverage Group (ABG) has launched the first super premium extension to its historic Riga Black Balsam herbal bitters brand, originally crafted in 1752.
Described as the brand’s most ‘prestigious’ offer to date, the new beverage is a unique blend of Riga Black Balsam’s original bitter and a premium eight-year-old French brandy.
Riga Black Balsam XO is made from 24 all-natural ingredients including 17 botanicals and claims to have aromas of black pepper and caramel, accompanied with notes of mature fruits and wood.
Using a recipe created over 260 years ago, the spirit is handcrafted from a blend of botanicals, spices and oil and then matured in small batches in oak casks.
With a 43% ABV, the limited-edition spirit is said to be best enjoyed neat but works equally as well in cocktails.
Maris Kalnins, global brand director of Riga Black Balsam, said: “We are delighted to launch an exquisite addition to the Riga Black Balsam family. Latvians are very proud of Riga Black Balsam and so we are very excited to release this outstanding super premium XO expression.
“We are positioning Riga Black Balsam XO as the essence of joie de vivre for the 21st-century connoisseur – a true modern classic, with our marketing strategy focusing on the strapline Your Royal Highness, highlighting the prestigious nature of the brand.
“Our target market is the consumer who appreciates the finest Cognacs, brandies and rums and to whom the authentic Riga Black Balsam bittersweet taste appeals.”
The limited-edition Riga Black Balsam XO has been introduced to its home country of Latvia and is available from €100 for a 70cl bottle, with later launch dates to follow for the Baltics and travel retail.
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