🥃 Zwack

Zwack is a Hungarian company from Budapest and the brand behind Unicum, a bitter herbal liqueur regarded as one of the country's national drinks. Unicum is made from more than forty herbs and roots on a brandy base, at 40% ABV (80 proof). The company, which carries the founders' surname, is now run by the sixth generation of the family.

History. According to legend, the recipe dated 1790 was devised by József Zwack, court physician to the Habsburgs, and Emperor Joseph II supposedly exclaimed "Das ist ein Unikum!", which gave the drink its name. Commercial production was started by his descendant, also named József Zwack, in 1840. In 1948, after nationalisation, the family lost its property and distillery, and production moved abroad. In the late 1980s the family regained the rights to the brand, and in 1993 the company was listed on the stock exchange.

How it is made. According to Difford's Guide, the herbs are macerated and distilled together with brandy, then the drink is aged for six months in oak. The recipe is secret; the producer's website mentions more than forty medicinal plants. Besides classic Unicum there are Unicum Szilva, aged on plums in oak barrels, and Unicum Riserva, finished in Tokaji Aszú casks.

Taste. Difford's Guide describes a dark chestnut colour, aromas of fennel, anise and tobacco, and a bittersweet, medicinal taste with cocoa, liquorice, citrus and pepper.

Why this matters to you. Unicum is bitter, but it is a 40% ABV alcoholic drink, not a health product. EU law prohibits health claims on drinks above 1.2% ABV. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.