Unicum Zwack, Hungary (40%, 50cl)

mperor Joseph II's exclamation - "Das ist ein Unicum!" - still echoes through every bottle of this dark amber elixir, unchanged since it first graced the Habsburg court in 1790. Dr. Zwack's original 40 herbal recipe, passed down through generations, remains a closely guarded secret in Budapest, where each batch still macerates for six months in oak vats before bottling at 40% ABV.

The first aroma transports you to an imperial apothecary - walnut husks, black cherry pits, and aged licorice root swirling beneath a top note of caramelized orange peel. On the palate, the initial sweetness of fig compote gives way to cardamom's warmth and gentian's earthy grip, finishing with a lingering medicinal bitterness that cleanses rather than overwhelms. This push-pull of sweet and bitter makes it equally splendid sipped neat at room temperature (as tradition dictates) or chilled as a digestif.

Modern bartenders have discovered its magic in black Manhattan variations, where its herbal complexity stands up to rye whiskey's spice. For a true Budapest experience, try it with a pickle back - the briny contrast highlighting hidden chamomile notes.

Available at our Copenhagen store or for EU-wide delivery.