The Intoxicologist Is In

Zwack

By the looks of things it appears Zwack Unicum’s trial run in Buffalo, NY, was successful.  According to a press release I found on the internet dated June, 25, 2008, Zwack will be released in the United States in September.  While Zwack’s US debut is only a couple of months away, it may take a little more time to appear in a liquor store near you.  Often companies do not release their products all over the US at exactly the same time.  Be patient or go online. 

Zwack Unicum produces and distributes a variety of alcoholic beverages in Hungary; herb liqueur, pear brandy, vodka, rum, and fruit brandy under the Unicum, Vilmos, St. Hubertus, Fütyülõs, Zwack Palinkak, Kalinka, Johnnie Walker, and Baileys brand names.  The recipe for the Zwack Liqueur being released within the United States is of course a carefully guarded secret.  What can be said is it is made of over forty different herbs and spices which are then blended and distilled before being aged in oak casks for six months.  The resulting aperitif is best savored at room temperature.

It is interesting to note that world famous icons Luciano Pavarotti, Jacqueline Kennedy and Zubin Mehta were all said to have had a weakness for the Hungarian bitter liquor known as Unicum.  In the video clip below some tasters described Zwack as a smoother, higher quality Jägermeister with hints of citrus.  The unique flavor of Zwack liqueur leaves imbibers either loving or hating it.  This is not only according to postings and reviews I have read, but from the Unicum Chairman himself, Peter Zwack. 

“The problem quite obviously is that the flavor of Unicum is an acquired taste, making it hard to break through to new markets in the short term,” said Zwack Unicum Chairman Peter Zwack. “The strength of Unicum is that 50% of the people don’t like it, however, those other 50% who drink it will never drink anything else,” he asserted.  (Quoted from Revealing the Secret to the World, http://www.amcham.hu/businesshungary/15-06/articles/15-06_24.asp)

There is quite a bit of history behind Zwack Unicum and the people who keep the company alive and well.  Be sure to click on the video.  You will see Peter Zwack and his daughter Izabella.  Izabella speaks just a little of that history touching on the “drink of freedom” that Zwack has come to be known as for some. 

As Zwack is released in the United States I hope to learn more about this Hungarian liqueur, the people behind the name and history behind the company.  As Izabella points out at the end of the video, we “owe it to Buffalo” for helping bring a piece of Hungary to the US. 

Zwack has a price point of $25.99.  Please have a look in the pages section for more Zwack Information.