Underberg Natural Herbal Digestive 2cl

Few drinks arrive wrapped in paper, sold in tiny bottles and somehow develop a cult following across bars, breweries and restaurants around the world. Underberg managed all three.

Created in Germany in 1846 by Hubert Underberg, the herbal digestif is still produced in Rheinberg using a closely guarded recipe built around herbs sourced from dozens of countries. The production process remains famously secretive, with the family maintaining control over the formula through multiple generations.

The flavour is intensely bitter, herbal and aromatic. Gentian, spice, citrus peel and medicinal botanicals all seem to appear at once. It is traditionally consumed in a single quick swallow rather than slowly sipped, which is probably wise given how concentrated the flavour can be.

Part of the appeal comes from its strange position in drinking culture. It functions as digestif, bartender handshake, hangover superstition and conversation starter simultaneously. The tiny paper-wrapped bottles have become instantly recognisable in beer bars and taprooms across the world.

Many drinks brands spend fortunes trying to become iconic. Underberg largely achieved it by remaining stubbornly weird.