Fernet-Branca Amaro Liqueur

Fernet-Branca's intense herbal and bitter flavors shine when sipped neat as a digestif after a hearty meal, particularly in cooler months when its warming qualities are most appreciated. This versatile amaro also excels in spirit-forward cocktails, pairs wonderfully with rich, savory dishes like roasted meats or aged cheeses, and can even be enjoyed over ice with a splash of cola for a refreshing summer sipper.

Nose: Intense herbal aromas dominate, with notes of mint, eucalyptus, and chamomile. Underlying hints of saffron, myrrh, and aloe create a complex, medicinal scent. Subtle notes of cinnamon and licorice add warmth.

Palate: Bitter and herbaceous flavors take center stage. Strong mint and eucalyptus notes cool the palate, followed by earthy gentian root. Spicy ginger and galangal provide a kick, while rhubarb and saffron offer subtle sweetness. The mouthfeel is syrupy yet drying.

Finish: Long-lasting and intensely bitter. Mint and eucalyptus linger, accompanied by a warming spice reminiscent of cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is dry and slightly numbing, with a faint sweetness that balances the bitterness.

Fernet-Branca is crafted through a complex process involving the maceration of over 27 herbs, roots, and spices in grape-based alcohol. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, known only to the Branca family and a select few employees, with each ingredient added separately and the mixture aged in oak barrels for at least a year before bottling.

• Fernet-Branca contains a secret ingredient that only one person knows: saffron from Iran. The company buys up to 75% of the world's saffron supply each year, causing global price fluctuations in the spice market.
• During Prohibition in the United States, Fernet-Branca was legally imported and sold as a "medicinal product." Its bitter taste and high alcohol content led many to believe it had curative properties, allowing it to slip through customs while other spirits were banned.
• In Argentina, Fernet-Branca is so popular that it's considered the national drink. Argentinians consume more Fernet-Branca than the rest of the world combined, often mixing it with Coca-Cola in a cocktail called "Fernet con Coca."