Contents
Schwartzhog is a herbal liqueur from the German company Hardenberg-Wilthen. The drink belongs to the “half-bitters”, in German – Kräuterlikör. It is an alcohol with a strength of 15-44% vol., characterized by a spicy taste and, unlike bitters, a high sugar content.
The brand name consists of two words: Schwartz (German “black”) and hog (English “boar”). It is this beast that is depicted on the family coat of arms of the founders and owners of the company – the Hardenberg family. It can also be seen on the label of the drink. Brand slogan: “Call of the Forest”.
Characteristics of liquor
The manufacturer describes Schwartzhog liquor as follows: the unique character and exceptional aroma of this drink is due to a combination of the best herbs and technology verified to the smallest detail. Despite the strength of 36.7% by volume, the liquor has a surprisingly mild taste with a dominant note of bitter wormwood, nuances of three-leaf watch, citruses, oranges and bitter oranges. Unlike many other semi-bitters, Schwarzhog is not cloying at all, only slightly sweet.
The drink is exported to Ireland, Italy, South Korea and the USA, and it can also be bought in the manufacturer’s online store.
history of the company
Hardenberg-Wilthen is a family business founded in Lower Saxony in the 1700s by Count von Hardenberg. At first, the production specialized in the production of the classic grain distillate – schnapps, but over time, fruit brandies and herbal liqueurs appeared in the company’s assortment.
In 1971, the concern managed to acquire the Danziger Goldwasser brand, which has been operating since 1606 and is considered the oldest liqueur in the world. Since 1998, the Hardenberg name has been merged with Wilthen.
Today the company is the second largest alcohol producer in Germany. In addition, this is one of the few industries in the world that has been managed by members of the same family for several centuries. Hardenberg-Wilthen follows the principles of reasonable consumption and encourages its customers to be careful with alcohol.
There is a legend explaining the appearance of a black boar on the family coat of arms. Around 1330 Hardenberg Castle was under siege. The enemies planned to attack at night, and this would certainly have caught the defenders of the fortress by surprise, if not for the noise made by the black boar. The animal grunted and stomped so loudly that the owners of the castle woke up just in time to repel the attack.
Brand image
The manufacturer associates the Schwarzhog brand with the forest, hunting, the smell of wild herbs, at night. This theme runs like a red thread in the advertising of the drink, in its original description and in positioning on the market.
Composition
The exact composition of the liquor is kept secret, but the manufacturer reports that among the ingredients there are the following herbs and spices: three-leaf watch, gentian, bitter wormwood, galangal, ginger, lemongrass, star anise.
How to drink Schwarzhog
Schwarzhog can be drunk neat at room temperature from small glasses, served with ice from whiskey glasses, diluted with soda in any proportion, or added to coffee and tea for warming. Liquor is also part of many cocktails.
Cocktails with Schwartzhog
- The Mule aka Ginger Hog (Silt or Ginger boars). Schwarzhog and ginger ale in equal proportions, ice to taste. Serve with lime zest.
- Hog and Bull (Wild boar и Bull). Schwarzhog and energy drink in arbitrary proportions. Serve with ice.
- Hogarita (Hogarita or Veprita). Schwarzhog and tequila in a ratio of 2: 1, serve with lime.
- Boar Club (Keiler Club). 2 parts Schwarzhog liqueur, XNUMX part pineapple liqueur, maple syrup, lemon juice. Mix everything in a glass, top up with IPA beer to taste.
- Game Wood (Wild forest). For 4 parts Schwarzhog, 1 part bourbon and Campari, mix in a glass, add a drop of chocolate bitter. Serve with orange zest.
- Hogs Fizz (Fizz boar). 1 part semi-bitter, ½ parts honey and 4 parts prosecco or other sparkling wine. Mix or pour in layers – to taste.