"This is a Unicum!" - this enthusiastic reaction is attributed to Emperor Joseph
II of the Holy Roman Empire in 1790 after he tasted the herbal liqueur created
by Dr. Zwack for the first time. The liqueur, made from over 40 different roots
and herbs, is based on a traditional recipe that is still guarded by the Zwack
family today. Originally, the herbs were soaked in alcohol, enriched with sugar
and used as a medicinal elixir - including being served to the emperor by his
court physician to prevent the plague. Today, however, herbal liqueurs are no
longer known for their medicinal properties.

To make Unicum, the selected herbs are macerated in alcohol for several weeks to
extract the essential active ingredients. The mixture is then distilled and
stored in oak barrels for six months to mature the flavor.