The distillery of "Ivan Ion" in St Petersburg

  In 1863, Johann-Heinrich Ion, a native of Riga of German descent, registered the Partnership of the Riga Ion and Co. Vodka Distillery. The Ion plant was located in St. Petersburg and produced, in addition to vodka, liquors and liquors, Riga Black Balsam. Riga was present in the title only figuratively, since the Ion plant was located in the then Russian capital, on Nevsky Prospect. The Balsam was made in St Petersburg from liquor and water sourced in Riga. Sold in sealed jugs of various capacities, the balm was in good demand. Just two years after the start of sales, in 1865, the black “Riga Balsam” of Ion's company was awarded the Big Silver Medal at the All-Russian Industrial (Manufacture) Exhibition in Moscow; then in 1867, Jon's balm, among other products of the plant, represented the Russian distillery at an exhibition in Paris. Following the receipt of honorary diplomas and commendable reviews at exhibitions in St. Petersburg in 1871 and in Moscow in 1882, the black “Riga Balsam” was awarded an honorary diploma and two gold medals at the international exhibition in New Orleans in 1884–1885. In 1891, Ion transferred the plant to his own house on Ligovsky lane, which allowed to increase the daily output of vodka, wine and liquors to 900 buckets. Unlike other Russian vodka companies, the company “РИЖСКИЙ ЛИКЕРНЫЙ И ВОДОЧНЫЙ ЗАВОД И. ИОНА” did not have its own stores and conducted exclusively wholesale trade in products. The partnership of the Riga Ion and Co. Vodka Distillery lasted until the prohibition was introduced at the beginning of the First World War. The label has an interesting С.П.Вурбъ  which we take to mean St Petersburg.

(with thanks to Tanya Flow for the research)

Ion
01

 РИЖСКІЙ ЛИКЕРНѢРИ И ВОДОЧИЫИ ЗАВОДЪ * ОСН. 1863г. / Riga City Arms Crossed Keys

  (RIGA LIQUER AND VODKA FACTORY * FOUNDED IN 1863г (г. is Год = year 1863))

 ТОВАРИЩЕСТВО.ИВАНЪ ІОНЪ. С. ПЕТЕРБУРГЪ  // РИЖСКІЙ БАЛБЗАМЪ

  (PARTNERSHIP IVAN JONAH. ST PETERSBURG //  RIGA BALSAM)

Ion

02

 РИЖСКІЙ ЛИКЕРНѢРИ И ВОДОЧИЫИ ЗАВОДЪ * ОСН. 1868г. / Riga City Arms Crossed Keys

  (RIGA LIQUER AND VODKA FACTORY * FOUNDED IN 1868г (probably a seal maker's mistake for 1863)

 ТОВАРИЩЕСТВО.ИВАНЪ ІОНЪ. С. ПЕТЕРБУРГЪ  // РИЖСКІЙ БАЛБЗАМЪ

  (PARTNERSHIP IVAN JONAH. ST PETERSBURG //  RIGA BALSAM)

Ion
03

  ОДОБРЕНО МОСКОВСК(ой) МАНУФАК(турной) ВЫСТ(авкой.) 1865 / Riga City Arms Crossed Keys

  (Approved by the Manufacture Exhibition in Moscow) (awarded the Big Silver Medal in 1865)

 * РИЖСК.ВОДОЧН.ЗАВОДЪ.ИВ.ИВ.ІОНЪ // И ЧЕРНЫЙ РИЖСКІЙ БАЛЬЗАМЪ ІОНЪ

 * RIGA VODKA FACTORY. IV.IV.JOH // AND JON'S BLACK RIGA BALSAM

Ion
04

  ОДОБРЕНО МОСКОВСК(ой) МАНУФАК(турной) ВЫСТ(авкой.) 1865 / Riga City Arms Crossed Keys

  (Approved by the Manufacture Exhibition in Moscow) (awarded the Big Silver Medal in 1865)

 * RIGA VODKA FACTORY. IV.IV.JOH // AND JON'S BLACK RIGA BALSAM

The Obverse of the seal has *АРХАНГЕЛЬСКЪ  (*ARCHANGEL'SK). The Reverse consists of a wreath with the rest of the circumference having the letters C.C.C.P. In the centre of  a hammer and sickle with rays emanating from the design. This would date the seal to post 1922 and the formation of the USSR.

      From contributions by Paul Cannon

The Pre-Revolutionary state had for a long time been involved in alcohol production but in 1894 “the Russian state enacted a full monopoly on alcohol production, thus becoming the only official seller of alcohol. Conceived in and provisionally enacted in 1894, the state monopoly on all alcohol production took effect on all Russian territories in 1904. The sale of pure alcohol, wine and strong spirits became the sole domain of the government” [Yashkin, p9-10]. The Archangel Distillery came into existence as a result of these changes and can be translated as ‘Archangel State Wine Warehouse’.
   The Soviet government also enacted a state monopoly on the sale of alcoholic beverages in August 1925. This was similar to the edict of 1894 [Yashkin, p16]. Alcohol sold under the state monopoly would definitely have been marked in a special way to prove its source and authenticity. What better way than a stamped seal. Maybe other state distilleries can be identified from similar seals.

There are other Modern East European Balsams

Balsam "Krasnaya Polyana" 2003

    Balsam "Krasnaya Polyana" (Russian: Бальза́м «Кра́сная Поля́на» Russian pronunciation: ) is a dark brown strong herbal liqueur, 45% abv. It is one of the traditional Eastern European beverages,  called balsam.

   Krasnaya Polyana Balsam is made with a combination of 24 herbs, 8 fruits, honey and other ingredients collected in the mountains area around the Black Sea. Among its natural ingredients are cherry plum and apple juices as well as morses of dried apricots, kiwi fruits and raisins.

   Its recipe was developed by the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences in the Scientific Research Institute of Food Biotechnology. It was commercially available for retail since 2003.

   Since then it was awarded many medals in various competitions of alcoholic beverages. The production facility offers tours which include a tasting session of Krasnaya Polyana Balsam and other similar alcohol drinks.

   Krasnaya Polyana Balsam includes 38 ingredients, among which 32 are medical plants, including 24 herbs and 8 fruit crops in the form of infusions, morses and flavored spirits.    Infusions of:  Illicium,  Dianthus,  Angelica archangelica,  Galangal rhizome,  bark of Ceylon cinnamon,  fruits of coriander,  Almond,  Nutmeg,  Silybum marianum,  leaves of cherry,  Melilotus officinalis,  oak rhizome,  Oregano, Hypericum,  Calendula officinalis,  Juniper berries,  Tanacetum,  Artemisia,  Matricaria,  Stevia,  Tea plants,  Thymus, Vaccinium myrtillus;  cherry plum and apple spirited juices;  morses of: dried apricots,  kiwi fruits,  raisins;  balsam Peru oil;  lemon, grapefruit and juniperus essential oils;  honey;  vanillin;  rectified ethyl alcohol of  high purification.

        The Original Riga Black Balsam
 
     Deliciously different, exceptionally smooth and velvety on the palate when Riga Black Balsam opens a whole world of sensations with its 24 ingredients. Subtle hints of linden blossom, birch bud, valerian root, raspberry, bilberry, and ginger as well as touches of nutmeg and black peppercorn tease the palate and come alive in the glass. Riga Black Balsam is carefully prepared in oak barrels, which allow its characteristic strength and the slightly bitter-sweet taste to develop.

    You will feel elixir’s fruity aroma and its special taste with every sip. Enjoy it straight up, on the rocks, or mixed in a variety of cocktails. A strong dark brown alcoholic drink of 45% alc./vol. It has a complex bouquet and flavour, with 24 individual ingredients, of which 17 are botanicals.
 
Bilberry/Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) Dried berries and spirit are used to make an extract. It has a dark browny/violet colour with an astringent taste. Anecdotally used for gastrointestinal ailments, infections, skin diseases, & inhibits macular degeneration. The berries contain dense levels of anthocyanin pigments linked experimentally to lowered risk for several diseases, such as those of the heart & cardiovascular system and eyes. Gives Riga Black Balsam its colour and taste.
Raspberry (Rubue idaeus) Contains organic acids, sugars, tannins, pectins, minerals,  vitamins. Used to improve digestion and sweat glands. Gives Riga Black Balsam an improved flavour and taste. The mixture is then infused with the remaining Botanicals for thirty days in oak barrels, separated, and cellared under strict temperature controls.
Birch buds (Miricia gale) Essential oils and resins give Riga Black Balsam a specific bitter taste and bouquet.
Bitterwort root (Gentiana lutea (Great Yellow Gentian)) It is remarkable for the intensely bitter properties residing in the root and every part of the herbage, hence they are valuable tonic medicines. The root is the principal vegetable bitter employed in medicine. Gentian root has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders and is an ingredient of many proprietary medicines. It contains some of the most bitter compounds known and is used as a scientific basis for measuring bitterness. The root is anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, and stomachic. Taken for the treatment of liver complaints, indigestion, gastric infections and anorexia. Bitterwort gives Riga Black Balsam a pure bitter flavour.
Peppermint leaves (Mentha piperita, also known as M. balsamea Willd.) Peppermint is sometimes regarded as 'the world's oldest medicine', with evidence dating as far back as 10,000 years. It contains menthone and menthyl esters, particularly menthyl acetate. Peppermint relaxes the gastro-esophageal muscle, thus promoting burping. Restaurants usually take advantage of this effect by taking advantage of its use as a confectionery ingredient, which they then call "after-dinner mints." Is calmative, antiseptic, relieves spasms and pain.
Wormwood stalks and leaves (Artemisia absinthium) The aromatic leaves of many species of Artemisia are medicinal, and some are used for flavouring. Most species have an extremely bitter taste. The highly potent spirit absinthe, also contains wormwood. Wormwood has been used medicinally as a tonic, stomachic, febrifuge and anthelmintic.
Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) The medical form of ginger was historically called "Jamaica ginger"; and classified as a stimulant and carminative, and used frequently for dyspepsia and colic. Gives Riga Black Balsam a pleasant bouquet and rich flavour.
Valerian root (Valeriana officinali) Valerian is used against sleeping disorders, restlessness and anxiety, and as a muscle relaxant. Contains essential oils and alchohols.
Sweet Flag root (Acorus calamus) The root is anodyne, aphrodisiac, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hallucinogenic, hypotensive, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, mildly tonic and vermifuge. It is used internally in the treatment of digestive complaints, bronchitis, sinusitis etc. It is said to have wonderfully tonic powers of stimulating and normalising the appetite. In small doses it reduces stomach acidity, whilst larger doses increase stomach secretions and is therefore recommended in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.
Melissa leaves & stems (Melissa officialis) The upper leaves and stems contain up to 0.15% etheric oils linalool, citronellal and geraniol. Used as a calmative, anti-spasmodic, sweat stimulator, helps bloating. Gives Riga Black Balsam a rich and full aroma and palate.
Linden blossom (Tilia cordata Mill.) Used as a remedy for head colds and mild fevers, as well as nasal or sinus catarrh. It is an antispasmodic, sweat stimulator, mild sedative, and nerve tonic. Prescribed by herbal practitioners for an irregular or racing heartbeat.
Oak bark (Quercus robur) The young stalks and bark give a grey/brown colour and contain up to 20% tannins, with a deeply astringent, bitter taste. Reduces inflammation and controls bleeding.
St. Johns Wort (Hiperycum perforatum) A bitter-sweet, cooling herb that is astringent, calms the nerves, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. Locally antiseptic and analgesic. A potent anti-viral, and used in homeopathy for pain and inflammation due to nerve damage.
Buckbean leaves (Menyanthes trifoliata) A very bitter herb that is diuretic and laxative, stimulates the digestion, and improves lymphatic drainage. Used for indigestion, anorexia, arthritis, rheumatism, muscular weakness in CFS, and chronic infections with debility and exhaustion.
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) The 5th century Syriac Book of Medicines prescribes pepper (or perhaps long pepper) for such illnesses as constipation, diarrhoea, earache, gangrene, heart disease, hernia, hoarseness, indigestion, insect bites, insomnia, joint pain, liver problems, lung disease, oral abscesses, sunburn, tooth decay, and toothaches. Gives Riga Black Balsam a spicy flavour.
Bitter/Wild Orange skins (Citrus aurantium) Bitter orange contains synephrine, a substance similar to ephedrine, which acts on the α1 adrenergic receptor to constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure and heart rate. Has a very aromatic bitter taste.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) A typically tropical plant. Used in Riga Black Balsam for its strong aromatic and spicy flavours.
Riga Black Balsam also utilises Peruvian balsam, brandy, natural honey aromatics, glucose syrup, browned sugar, grain spirit, and partially frozen 189 to 198 metre deep arterial waters.