ZWACK unicum for over 200 years
Unicum is not just a bitter liqueur; it is a living legend that has carried the history of the Zwack family and the rich cultural heritage of Hungary for over 230 years. The drink, which started as a remedy for the Habsburg ruler, has now become a Hungarikum and an integral part of Hungarian identity.
The story of Unicum dates back to 1790, when Dr. Zwack, the court physician of Emperor Joseph II, relieved the ruler’s stomach ailments with a special herbal liqueur. According to legend, upon tasting the drink, the emperor exclaimed, “Das ist ein Unicum!” (That is a unique!). The name stuck to the liqueur and became the foundation of the Zwack family’s multi-generational heritage.
In 1840, József Zwack founded the first Zwack factory in Pest, where the industrial-scale production of Unicum began. The liqueur soon became popular and made the Zwack name known throughout the Monarchy. By the end of the 19th century, the factory had become one of the most modern distilleries of its time, and its products won numerous international awards.
However, the turbulent history of the 20th century did not spare the Zwack family either. During World War II, the factory was almost completely destroyed, and after the communist takeover, it was nationalized. The Zwack family was forced into emigration, but the recipe and tradition lived on in their hearts. Péter Zwack, a member of the family’s sixth generation, returned to Hungary after the change of regime and restarted the family business. Unicum regained its former glory and once again became the pride of Hungarian gastronomy.
The secret of Unicum lies in the carefully selected blend of more than 40 types of herbs. The exact recipe is still a strictly guarded family secret, passed down from generation to generation. The herbs are sourced from five continents and are still measured by hand, ensuring the liqueur’s unique quality. Unicum is aged in oak barrels, which further enriches the drink’s complex aroma.
Unicum is not just a drink; it is also a cultural experience. The Zwack Unicum Museum, or as it is often called, the Unicum House, is located on the grounds of the Budapest factory and interactively presents the history of Unicum and the Zwack family. Visitors can get a glimpse into the secrets of production, learn about the world of herbs, and admire the Zwack family’s rich relics. The museum not only preserves the past but also showcases the present, as Unicum is still one of the most innovative products of Hungarian gastronomy.
The Zwack Unicum Museum is not just an exhibition; it is an interactive journey through the fascinating history of Unicum and the Zwack family. The museum is located in the heart of the Budapest factory, where visitors can get a glimpse into the secrets of making the iconic drink while exploring the family’s rich heritage.
The museum showcases the adventurous history of the Zwack family with period family relics, documents, and photos, from the beginnings in the 18th century to the present day. Thus, visitors not only experience a drink but also a piece of Hungarian history.
It showcases the more than 40 herbs that make up Unicum’s secret, where visitors can learn about these unique plants and gain insight into the development of Unicum’s unique flavor.
The traditional process of Unicum production can be seen, including distillation and aging. Visitors can see the 100-year-old distillation equipment and the giant stone jugs used for extraction.
One of Europe’s richest collections of miniature bottles, with real rarities, is located here.
Unicum and other Zwack products tasting is part of the museum tours, which provides a special experience for visitors.
Zwack Unicum is no longer just the classic bitter liqueur. The family continuously expands its product range, enriching the brand’s offerings with new flavors and innovative products. Unicum Plum, Unicum Riserva, and Unicum Barista all prove that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.
Zwack Unicum is a publicly traded company, but generations of the Zwack family continue to play an active role in its management, ensuring the preservation of traditions and the continuous development of the brand.
Sándor Zwack and Izabella Zwack are key members of the current generation of the family, who actively participate in the management of the company and the representation of the brand. They are the ones who oversee the current and future Zwack product range and their quality. They ensure the preservation of the company’s family character.
The Zwack family’s commitment to quality and tradition continues to be a defining feature of the company’s operations. Unicum is therefore more than just a drink. It is a piece of Hungarian history, a family heritage, and a taste that has connected people for generations. The story of the Zwack family and Unicum conveys the message that the preservation of traditions and openness to innovation together create success and the permanence of cultural heritage.