44-Degree Digestive, Underberg
Europe has a unique culture: the tradition of drinking a digestif after a meal. While an aperitif is consumed to stimulate the appetite before eating, a digestif is drunk to aid digestion afterward. The French word for digestif, ‘digestif,’ is derived from the verb ‘digerer,’ which means ‘to digest.’
The main ingredient of digestifs is herbs. They help soothe the stomach and promote digestion. As a result, the bitter taste of herbs is strongly felt. Rather than a typical alcoholic drink, it feels closer to medicine. ‘Underberg’ from Germany is also a digestif of this style.
Underberg is a digestif and digestive made from herbs sourced from 43 countries. It has been produced since 1846, boasting a history of over 170 years. It comes in a small 20ml bottle, perfect for a single serving, and is wrapped in paper to protect the contents from deterioration caused by ultraviolet rays. The alcohol content is 44%.
Inside the paper wrapping is a brown bottle similar to a beer bottle. I opened the small cap and smelled it; the intense herbal aroma reminded me of a concentrated blend of Ssanghwatang and Cheongsimhwan, with a sharp, spicy scent that was quite strong.
Originally, it is meant to be consumed directly after opening the cap, but I poured it into a clear glass. It was not a dark color like traditional herbal medicine but a clear brownish hue, lightly shimmering like water. I mustered the courage to take a sip, and before I could even savor the taste, I felt a tightening sensation in my mouth. Like the first time drinking whiskey, there was a spicy burn and a fiery warmth. After swallowing, the strong flavors of spices like coriander and star anise lingered on my tongue.
Because of its high alcohol content, the intoxication hit quickly. However, perhaps due to the herbs, the effect did not last long. After drinking half the bottle and some time passing, I actually burped! Despite the high alcohol content and intense taste and aroma, instead of irritation, my stomach felt clear and refreshed.
Underberg, a German digestif and digestive, does have digestive benefits, but its high alcohol content and strong flavor make it not easy to drink. If you are not accustomed to high-proof alcohol or are sensitive to alcohol, please consider carefully before drinking.
A cute bottle but not a cute taste...!
Photo by Bomi Kim
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