Tempus Fugit Gran Classico Bitter Liqueur is a Aperitifs from the Tempus Fugit Liqueur brand crafted in Switzerland.
Gran Classico Bitter Liqueur offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th century Italian aperitif traditions, reviving a recipe from 1860s Turin that was nearly lost to time. Interestingly, this golden-hued bitter was saved from obscurity by a small Swiss distillery in 1925, which quietly produced it for local consumption for decades before its recent rediscovery and rise to cocktail stardom.
Cocktail enthusiasts should embrace Tempus Fugit Gran Classico Bitter Liqueur for its complex, golden-amber blend of 25 aromatic herbs and roots, offering a nuanced alternative to traditional red bitter liqueurs in classic cocktails like the Negroni. This Swiss-made apéritif stands out with its natural coloring and rich history, tracing back to an 1860s Turin recipe, providing a unique depth of flavor that beautifully complements both light and dark spirits.
Tempus Fugit Gran Classico Bitter Liqueur shines as a complex and versatile spirit, perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks to appreciate its intricate flavors, or as a key ingredient in aperitif-style cocktails where its bittersweet profile can truly shine. This golden-amber liqueur is ideal for warm summer evenings, pairing beautifully with light appetizers like olives, cheese, and cured meats, while its rich herbal notes also make it a welcome companion to heartier autumn dishes.
Nose: Bright, herbaceous aromas leap from the glass. Citrusy orange peel mingles with earthy gentian root and the distinctive scent of wormwood. Subtle hints of vanilla and rhubarb add complexity, while a touch of spice tickles the nostrils.
Palate: A harmonious blend of sweet and bitter flavors unfolds. Initial notes of candied orange and rhubarb give way to a robust bitterness from gentian and wormwood. Layers of herbal complexity emerge, reminiscent of alpine meadows. The texture is viscous and coating, with a pleasant warmth from the alcohol.
Finish: Long and evolving, the finish alternates between sweet and bitter sensations. Orange peel and gentian linger prominently, accompanied by subtle vanilla and resinous notes. A pleasant bitterness builds, leaving a refreshing dryness that invites another sip.
Gran Classico Bitter is crafted through a careful maceration of 25 aromatic herbs and roots, including wormwood, gentian, bitter orange peel, rhubarb, and hyssop. What's particularly intriguing about its production is that this maceration process not only imparts the liqueur's complex flavor profile but also creates its naturally attractive golden-amber color, eliminating the need for any artificial coloring.
It’s a different formula for sure but good stuff and just not the same as concentrated bitters.
Had this for the first time as a replacement for Campari in a Boulevardier. I love Campari, but this blew me away. Great mixer for drinks that require that bitter twist but really benefit from a sweet finish. Try it and you will not be disappointed.
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Please drink responsibly. CA Residents: Proposition 65 Warning.
