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18 products
18 products
Gentiane
"Auvergne is more of a secret than a province; we never seek it as much as when we've already found it." This beautiful phrase by Alexandre Vialatte expresses, in a way, the research of the creators of La Jeannette. These pure Auvergnats had the wonderful idea of reviving gentian, this traditional Auvergne liqueur, which is mainly drunk as an aperitif and blends well with blackcurrant liqueur. You know it: it has lit up many a bar counter with its bright yellow flash, tinged slightly with green, in the clinking of ice cubes. You may have found it, from one brand to another, a little too sweet. It is precisely on its flavor that the creators of La Jeannette have worked.
Many traditional liqueurs have been dusted off in recent years. Generally, this dusting consists of a reduction in sugar content, accompanied by an intensification of flavors and a firm intention to focus on wild, organic, and natural ingredients. For La Jeannette, it's a success. The products are 100% Auvergne: first, fresh gentian roots harvested on the slopes of the Auvergne volcanoes. This is the main element. Next, lemon verbena, also known to Auvergne liqueur makers, an infusion of vine peaches, and a touch of peppermint.
One small sip and you immediately understand that this is no longer Grandpa's gentian, even if it's a grandmother laughing at you on the label. You first perceive that no excess sugar hides the freshness of the ingredients. Because the attack is fresh: the peppermint overlaps the continuous bitter note of the gentian. It's very balanced and very successful. In the mid-palate, the verbena asserts itself and adds to the overall sensation of freshness. It's a beautiful bitterness, the flavor that cures all and lifts the spirits. Needless to say, any cocktail with a hint of bitterness is allowed (negroni, americano, spritz, etc.), but we find it so delicious that we enjoy it on its own over ice, or with one of our favorite tonics, Hysope.
What's more, Jeannette is involved: she's working to save wild gentian. During an Ulule campaign, one euro per bottle sold was donated to an Auvergne association dedicated to preserving this precious root, promoting its replanting in its natural environment. If our aperitif can also be eco-friendly, who's going to complain?
Génépi Le Pompon (50 cl)
Génépi Le Pompon
This attractive bottle contains a modernized génépi liqueur. Moderately sweet, yet smooth and powerful, it contains the delicate and complex aromas of this famous little mountain plant. We recommend keeping it refrigerated. Enjoy it on its own, in a small glass, or in a cocktail. Johan and Alexis, its creators, have a cocktail recipe for you, the cloudy pompon: mix 4 cl of génépi Le Pompon, 8 cl of cloudy apple juice, and serve over ice with a basil leaf.
Liqueur 44 from the Flaguerie,
Domaine de la Flaguerie
Liqueur 44 is a unique traditional Norman creation, obtained by artisanally macerating coffee beans, orange, and cloves in organic cider brandy. After 44 days of maceration, it reveals intense aromas of coffee, blood orange, and vanilla, with a beautiful complexity.
Served between 10 and 12°C, this original liqueur can be enjoyed as an aperitif, over ice, or with gourmet desserts.
L'Inattendue Geranium Liqueur,
Sentema Distillery
A delicately sweet rose geranium spirit
L'Inattendue, a unique creation from Sentema Distillery, is a refined liqueur made with rose geranium grown in Provence. This plant, infused in organic beer brandy, gives this spirit intense aromas of rose and lychee. The natural sweetness is provided by a concentrated grape must, for a perfect balance between aromatic richness and delicacy.
This spirit can be enjoyed neat, on ice or in a cocktail, and offers a true sensory journey, where each sip surprises with its complexity and elegance.
To find out more
The Sentema Distillery offers exceptional spirits, created on an eau-de-vie of organic wines from Provence, distilled by hand on copper pot stills, made entirely with French plants and fruits, for unique recipes with frank and natural flavors.
Pastis du Zeppelin 44.8° - 70cl
We first admire the magnificent label, and then we discover the bouquet. The nose of this certified organic pastis is fresh and aniseed, the palate is very fresh and delicately spiced. But pastis in Brittany? Of course. Besides, if you know how to make absinthe, you know how to make pastis, the latter being one of the spirits that replaced absinthe after it was banned in 1915. Pastis, since then, has become a product of Provence and especially Marseille, but nothing prevents the existence of a Breton pastis. This one gets its taste from a combination of thirteen distilled plants, always with a dominance of green anise and complex, spicy and herbaceous notes: fennel, star anise, angelica root, coriander, cinnamon, orange, iris, licorice, nutmeg, clove. The whole thing is very fresh, as befits a pastis. All that remains is to dilute it with fresh water.
To find out more
The Awen Nature distillery is a factory of magic potions: beverages with a strong Celtic content, organic liqueurs with a strong touch of poetry. This Breton distillery, located in Ille-et-Vilaine and run by Julien Fanny, initially devoted itself to absinthe, a liqueur that Julien helped to rehabilitate. It's not "the liqueur that makes you crazy," he says: "we were already crazy before." » He strives—successfully—to recreate the taste of yesteryear, that of absinthes that were once given to children on a sugar cube as a dewormer. “You need a touch of madness to be a distiller today,” says Julien. In addition to absinthe, Julien distills a wide range of spirits and liqueurs: gins, vodkas, botanical rums, Swedish elixir, concoctions inspired by role-playing games… All made from plants, respecting the environment, without preservatives or artificial flavors. An ode to plants that the korrigans must sip in secret, at night, on the moors.
Meadowsweet Spirits
This organic and artisanal meadowsweet liqueur is made by the Granier liqueur factory, near Annecy (Haute-Savoie). It's a true discovery, a very original liqueur with a variety of uses.
The Plant
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is the wild version of a garden plant called astilbe. Found in marshy areas and damp meadows, this plant from the Rosaceae family bears a pretty tuft of small white flowers. Fragrant, loved by bees and melliferous, it is above all very beneficial: rich in salicylic acid, it is at the origin of the manufacture of aspirin and has many medicinal virtues: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, healing, diuretic, vulnerary, digestive, etc., it fights against water retention, rheumatism and fever.
Manufacture
The meadowsweet and mallow flowers are picked in the Alps and macerated in water from the Boubioz spring, near Lake Annecy. The blend is made with organic wheat alcohol and organic sugar produced in the Vosges and the Palatine Forest. The other ingredients are Menton lemon zest and Timut pepper.
Tasting
A revelation with its exceptional aroma, its slightly vinous and fruity taste reminiscent of caramelized apple and black tea, with nuances of red port. This very fragrant liqueur surprises and seduces the palate, while communicating the medicinal virtues of meadowsweet. With its delicious flavor, this organic meadowsweet liqueur deserves to be enjoyed on its own, but also on ice, as a refreshing long drink, as an aperitif, a digestif, in cooking and in mixology. It will be served with delicious tapas: Iberian bellota ham, cecina or beef ham. On the sweet side, it goes with all pastries: cakes, gateaux, tartes …
Learn more about Granier liqueurs
The Granier liqueur factory — two brothers, Vincent and Stéphane Granier — produces artisanal liqueurs from the Haute-Savoie region. Flavor, sweetness, and balance are their great qualities, resulting from a meticulous and measured infusion technique to minimize extraction.
Wild or organically grown
The plants grown organically, or picked in the mountains surrounding Annecy, are obtained through short supply chains and for this reason reflect the flora of the steep meadows or gardens of Haute-Savoie. Everything is organic and additive-free, from the initial infusion to bottling.
Intact flavors
During the tasting, we were amazed by the Granier liqueurs, one after the other. Never before have we been given such fresh plant flavors by liqueurs. We have the sensation of tasting the plant itself, infused in all its singularity, supported by just the right amount of organic sugar (that is to say, little) produced in the Palatine Forest and just the right amount of alcohol. An organic beer alcohol that allows the plant to convey its message without interference. Not only is it delicious, but it is also an excellent digestif. Verbena, genepi, gentian, mint or meadowsweet, we guarantee you: you will have a good time.
White Absinthe 60° - 70cl
Awen Nature Distillery
This certified organic white absinthe is the result of a special recipe that was the subject of many years of research by the founder of the Awen Nature distillery. Entirely organic and natural, it derives its flavor from a combination of seven distilled botanicals, a bouquet that expresses very refreshing notes, always with a dominant anise and complex notes of plants such as wormwood, coriander, hyssop, and lemongrass. This absinthe is created and distilled exactly as this liqueur was before the 1915 ban. To fully appreciate it, we recommend the traditional method: in a glass containing a measure of absinthe, place a sugar cube on an absinthe spoon and pour fresh water drop by drop over the sugar cube. Upon contact with water, white absinthe becomes slightly cloudy to reveal iridescent and brilliant reflections.
Find out more
The Awen Nature distillery is a factory of magic potions: beverages with a strong Celtic content, organic liqueurs with a strong touch of poetry. This Breton distillery, located in Ille-et-Vilaine and run by Julien Fanny, initially dedicated itself to absinthe, a liqueur that Julien helped to rehabilitate. It’s not “the liqueur that makes you crazy,” he says: “we were already crazy before.” He strives—successfully—to reproduce the taste of yesteryear, that of the absinthes that were once given to children on a piece of sugar as a dewormer. “You need a touch of madness to be a distiller today,” says Julien. In addition to absinthe, Julien distills a wide range of spirits and liqueurs: gins, vodkas, botanical rums, Swedish elixir, concoctions inspired by role-playing games... All made from plants, respecting the environment, without preservatives or artificial flavors. An ode to plants that the korrigans must sip in secret, at night, on the moors.
Vervain by Vincent Spiritueux
The Granier liqueur house offers its first Vervain liqueur, the one that launched the house's beginnings. Entirely organic, artisanal, and sourced locally, it is Vincent's Vervain, Vincent Granier's, who lovingly created its recipe.
The Plant
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora) is a favorite in cottage gardens. A member of the Verbenaceae family, it is cultivated for its fragrant leaves, with a slight hint of lemon peel. It is tonic, calming, fever-reducing, antispasmodic, and digestive. The one infused for this liqueur was grown organically and harvested by hand in the Alps.
Production
To the Vervain are added organic lemon zest (from Menton), organic coriander seeds and lemongrass grown biodynamically in Egypt (the closest and most eco-friendly place to find 100% natural lemongrass). The plants and spices are infused in the natural water of the Boubioz spring, near Lake Annecy, and the alcohol is made from 100% organic wheat. The organic sugar is produced in the Palatine Forest.
Tasting
This organic and artisanal Vervain is sweet and caressing, very fresh, and is not heavy in alcohol or sugar. Easy to drink, it can be enjoyed as an aperitif, in a shot, in mixology and as a digestif. We love pairing it with fine charcuterie, for example terrines or hams from the Ferme de Mayrinhac.
Learn more about Granier liqueurs
The Granier liqueur factory — two brothers, Vincent and Stéphane Granier — produces artisanal liqueurs from the Haute-Savoie region. Flavor, smoothness, and balance are their great qualities, resulting from a meticulous and measured infusion technique to minimize extraction.
Wild or organically grown
Plants grown organically, or picked in the mountains surrounding Annecy, are obtained through short supply chains and for this reason reflect the flora of the steep meadows or gardens of Haute-Savoie. Everything is organic and without additives, from the initial infusion to bottling.
Intact flavors
During the tasting, we were amazed by the Granier liqueurs, one after the other. Never have such fresh plant flavors been restored to us by liqueurs. We have the sensation of tasting the plant itself, infused in all its singularity, supported by just the right amount of organic sugar (that is to say, little) produced in the Palatine Forest and just the right amount of alcohol. An organic beer alcohol that allows the plant to convey its message without interference. Not only is it delicious, but it's also an excellent digestif. Vervain, genepi, gentian, mint, or meadowsweet—we guarantee you'll have a great time.
Génépi Spirits
Liqueurs Granier
Génépi is "the" Savoyard liqueur; it doesn't get more regional than this. It's entirely organic and artisanal, made by the Granier brothers in the Annecy region and sourced locally.
The Plant
The name "génépi" refers to a family of small alpine wormwoods of the genus Artemisia that are harvested between 2,500 and 3,500 meters above sea level. These highly aromatic and medicinal plants (fighting colds, viral illnesses and digestive disorders) are the main ingredient of the most emblematic liqueur of Haute-Savoie.
Production
Génépi is harvested in the Alps and dried before infusion in 96% organic wheat alcohol, before blending with an organic sugar syrup made by a landowner harvesting in the Palatine Forest. The water comes from the Boubioz spring, near Lake Annecy. No additives are added during production. The liqueur, aged in rum barrels, includes coriander seeds and lemon zest. Unlimited aging potential.
Tasting
Floral, aromatic and of great purity, this liqueur flies the flag of Alpine génépi high. The balsamic note of génépi initially manifests itself with great amplitude and persists in the mouth, supported by light spices (coriander and lemon). A success, to be associated with raw fish or smoked fish of all kinds and of course smoked salmon. The best pairing will be with a raclette.
Learn more about Granier liqueurs
The Granier liqueur factory — two brothers, Vincent and Stéphane Granier — produces artisanal liqueurs from the Haute-Savoie region. Flavor, sweetness, and balance are their great qualities, resulting from a meticulous and measured infusion technique to minimize extraction.
Wild or organically grown
Plants grown organically, or picked in the mountains surrounding Annecy, are obtained through short supply chains and for this reason reflect the flora of the steep meadows or gardens of Haute-Savoie. Everything is organic and without additives, from the initial infusion to bottling.
Intact flavors
During the tasting, we were amazed by the Granier liqueurs, one after the other. Never have such fresh plant flavors been restored to us by liqueurs. We have the sensation of tasting the plant itself, infused in all its singularity, supported by just the right amount of sugar (that is to say, little) organically produced in the Palatine Forest and just the right amount of alcohol. An organic beer alcohol that allows the plant to convey its message without interference. Not only is it delicious, but it's also an excellent digestif. Verbena, genepi, gentian, mint, or meadowsweet—we guarantee you'll have a great time.
Folle noire liqueur 2016,
This organic and natural folle noire liqueur from the Gaillac region (Tarn) bears the Eurofeuille and Nature & Progrès labels. It is made from grapes of the typical Gaillac variety called folle noire or Jurançon noir. This grape variety produces large, juicy bunches with a delicate flavor. An original recipe from the Cazottes distillery, without chemical pesticides, colorings, or additives.
Production
To obtain this folle noire liqueur, the grapes are harvested in mid-September and fermented naturally using indigenous yeasts. As soon as the juice reaches 2 to 3 degrees of alcohol, an organic brandy of the same grape variety, distilled on the estate by Laurent Cazottes, is added to stop the fermentation. This is called mutage sur grains (grain fortification). This method allows the best aromas to be preserved and the alcohol content to be moderated (18%).
Tasting
A lovely amber red color, a delicate taste of fresh grapes, round and fruity. The Folle Noire liqueur from the Cazottes estate is reminiscent of the best Cartagenes from Roussillon with its supple and melted tannins, its aromas of fresh grapes and candied plum. This organic and delicate spirit will be a perfect companion for cured meats of beef or pork, mature cheeses or blue-veined cheese, or red fruit desserts.
Learn more about the Cazottes distillery
Laurent Cazottes, winemaker, distiller, and natural liqueur maker, is a revealer of quintessences. In Villeneuve-sur-Vère, near Gaillac (Tarn), he cultivates a veritable Eden of biodiversity. On limestone soil, he cultivates fruit trees, vines, shrubs and vegetable plants, which he transforms into wines, eaux-de-vie and liqueurs.
Production secrets
First of all, the integrity of the fruit and the vine, cultivated in certified organic (Eurofeuille and Nature & Progrès labels) and biodynamically, then careful attention given to their maceration at perfect maturity in the estate's organic eau-de-vie, and finally a precise and light dosage of sugar.
The Cazottes touch
"Liqueur does not mean sweet," Laurent likes to say. The particularity of Cazottes liqueurs and eaux-de-vie is their fidelity to the raw material: it is the whole fruit that we have in our mouths, with all its nuances and its delicacy. They are low in alcohol, low in sugar: they are exceptional nectars.
Pastiche
Distillerie du Viaduc
Pastiche est tout sauf une imitation. Avec cette création, la Distillerie du Viaduc affirme une vision artisanale et végétale du pastis, loin des versions industrielles saturées en sucre et arômes. Ce spiritueux anisé biologique est conçu dans un esprit de pureté, en macérant lentement des plantes entières dans de l’alcool neutre, selon un processus doux et maîtrisé qui révèle la complexité naturelle des botaniques.
Parmi les ingrédients, tous issus de l’agriculture biologique : graines d’anis vert, fenouil, réglisse, aneth et thym citronné. La macération dure un mois, suivie de dilutions progressives sans aucun ajout de sucre, de colorant ni d’additif. C’est cette lente réduction qui confère à Pastiche sa texture onctueuse et son équilibre en bouche.
Le nez s’ouvre sur une trame anisée franche, soutenue par le fenouil et une touche fraîche de thym citronné. En bouche, l’attaque est nette, herbacée, structurée par une belle présence de réglisse et l’élégance anisée de l’aneth. La finale est longue, persistante, et évoque les bonbons naturels à la réglisse, sans aucune lourdeur.
Ce pastis nouvelle génération se savoure pur ou légèrement dilué, selon l’intensité souhaitée. Il est conçu pour les amateurs d’amers, de plantes et de fraîcheur. Plus qu’un simple apéritif, Pastiche est une infusion vivante du jardin méditerranéen dans un flacon, à la fois intense, sec et digeste.
Nos Pas Se Tissent Pastis,
Sentema Distillery
A natural and refined pastis with organic plants
With Nos Pas Se Tissent, the Sentema Distillery offers an artisanal pastis without additives or anethole, made from organic wine brandy and an infusion of Provençal plants (green anise, fennel, licorice, rosemary, thyme, and lavender). This spirit, with no added sugar, is intensely aromatic, offering bold and natural flavors.
Diluted in water or served with a dash of orgeat syrup for a revisited Moorish twist, it is perfect as an aperitif or digestif. A true ode to Provence and the purity of plants.
To find out more
The Sentema Distillery offers exceptional spirits, created from an eau-de-vie of organic Provençal wines, distilled by hand on copper pot stills, made entirely with French plants and fruits, for unique recipes with frank and natural flavors.
Nc'nean Botanical Spirit Organic
L'explorateur du Gout
Awarded Eurofeuille certification, Nc'nean Botanical Spirit Organic is a botanical liqueur made in Scotland. It comes from an organic whisky distillery founded by Annabel Thomas in the West Highlands. The distillery is certified organic and BCorp certified (a global organic and ethical label). Its name is a tribute to the Celtic goddess Neachneohain, protector of nature (and don't panic, it's pronounced "nac'nean").
Production
On a base of 100% organic barley malt brandy from the distillery, a maceration of ten plants (some of which are endemic to Scotland) is carried out: bog myrtle, coriander, juniper, fresh grapefruit peel, chamomile, thyme, heather, sorrel, angelica, licorice. An addition of syrup completes this herbaceous liqueur.
Tasting
Aromatic and soothing, Nc’nean Botanical Spirit Bio provides a sweetness of orange blossom marshmallow on the attack, confirmed on the palate with notes of barley, chamomile, almond, juniper berry and wildflowers. A hint of salt on the finish. As a digestif or in a cocktail.
L’Explorateur du goût: to find out more
This organic Nc’nean Botanical Spirit liqueur was selected by L’Explorateur du goût, a project by François Sommer in search of the best spirits from around the world. Its conditions: ecological concern (Bcorp label of respect for social and environmental standards; organic certification for most of the references, etc.), attention to people and the terroir (solid and lasting relationships with producers), quality of products and taste, originality. The catalog includes French spirits (cognac, calvados, etc.) and exotic spirits (whisky, rum, mezcal, etc.), not to mention liqueurs and tonics. Something to delight any bartender, amateur mixologist, or simply discerning consumer.
Vervain by Stephane Spirits
After Vincent Granier created his vervain, his brother Stéphane wanted to make his own version: here it is. Entirely organic and artisanal, sourced locally, it's the big brother's vervain. Its production is different, as is its taste.
The Plant
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora) is a favorite in cottage gardens. A member of the Verbenaceae family, it is cultivated for its fragrant leaves, with a slight hint of lemon peel. It is tonic, calming, fever-reducing, antispasmodic, and digestive. The one infused for this liqueur was grown organically and harvested by hand in the Alps.
Production
Stéphane's initial recipe is identical to that of Vincent's Vervain (link), but it is aged for six months in vats to "settle," then it is passed through a barrel of arranged rum, which gives it a different, more sophisticated taste and olfactory envelope. Lemon zest from Menton, biodynamic Egyptian lemongrass, and organic coriander seeds are also present.
Tasting
The reddish-brown color is more intense and deeper, the nose more vanilla and caramelized due to the aging in wood. More powerful on the palate too: roasted aromas of old rum coat those of the plants. To be enjoyed as an aperitif over ice, as a digestif, as a long drink and to be paired with high-end hams: Ibérico de bellota from Don Bardem, the Gascon from Porc Noir de Bigorre, or the delicious beef hams from Maison Aitana. But if you want to pair it with chocolate, that works very well too!
To the vervain are added organic lemon zest (from Menton), organic coriander seeds and lemongrass grown biodynamically in Egypt (the closest and most eco-friendly place to find 100% natural lemongrass). The plants and spices are infused in natural water from the Boubioz spring, near Lake Annecy, and the alcohol is made from 100% organic wheat. Organic sugar is produced in the Palatine Forest.
Learn more about Granier liqueurs
The Granier liqueur factory—two brothers, Vincent and Stéphane Granier—makes artisanal liqueurs from the Haute-Savoie region. Flavor, sweetness, and balance are their great qualities, resulting from a meticulous and measured infusion technique to minimize extraction.
Wild or organically grown
Plants grown organically, or picked in the mountains surrounding Annecy, are obtained through short supply chains and, for this reason, reflect the flora of the steep meadows or gardens of Haute-Savoie. Everything is organic and additive-free, from the initial infusion to bottling.
Intact flavors
During the tasting, we were amazed by the Granier liqueurs, one after the other. Never before have such fresh plant flavors been conveyed to us by liqueurs. We have the sensation of tasting the plant itself, infused in all its singularity, supported by just the right amount of organic sugar (that is to say, little) produced in the Palatine Forest and just the right amount of alcohol. An organic beer alcohol that allows the plant to convey its message without interference. Not only is it delicious, but it's also an excellent digestif. Vervain, genepi, gentian, mint, or meadowsweet, we guarantee you: you'll have a good time.
Mint Spirits
This organic, artisanal mint liqueur is produced locally by the Granier liqueur factory, near Annecy, in Haute-Savoie. It is made from peppermint, faithfully reproducing its fresh flavor.
The Plant
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a member of the large mint family, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. A spontaneous hybrid between water mint and spearmint, it was first cultivated in England in the 17th century. Peppermint is present in many aromatic and medicinal products.
Production
The mint is grown organically by growers-gatherers in Auvergne, dried, and infused in 40% organic alcohol. It is blended by the Granier liquorist factory with an organic sugar syrup produced in the Vosges and the Palatine Forest.
Tasting
Refreshing and reassuring—it doesn't taste like toothpaste at all—this mint is also powerful and long-lasting. A slight hint of pepper on the finish. It has a 26% alcohol content with less than 5g of sugar per liter. Drink it neat with a few ice cubes; it will put your mind and stomach back in place. It will go very well with a square (or two) of chocolate or a stuffed lamb breast from the Ferme de Mayrinhac.
Learn more about Granier liqueurs
The Granier liqueur factory — two brothers, Vincent and Stéphane Granier — produces artisanal liqueurs from the Haute-Savoie region. Flavor, smoothness, and balance are their great qualities, resulting from a meticulous and measured infusion technique to minimize extraction.
Wild or organically grown
Plants grown organically, or picked in the mountains surrounding Annecy, are obtained through short supply chains and for this reason reflect the flora of the steep meadows or gardens of Haute-Savoie. Everything is organic and without additives, from the initial infusion to bottling.
Intact flavors
During the tasting, we were amazed by the Granier liqueurs, one after the other. Never have such fresh plant flavors been restored to us by liqueurs. We have the sensation of tasting the plant itself, infused in all its singularity, supported by just the right amount of organic sugar (that is to say, little) produced in the Palatine Forest and just the right amount of alcohol. An organic beer alcohol that allows the plant to convey its message without interference. Not only is it delicious, but it's also an excellent digestif. Verbena, genepi, gentian, mint, or meadowsweet—we guarantee you'll have a great time.
Gentian Spirits
Granier Gentian is an organic and artisanal liqueur, sourced locally and produced by the Granier brothers near Annecy, in Haute-Savoie. It is part of a long tradition of wild gentian liqueur from the French mountains (Massif Central and the Alps), whose harvest is subject to rigorous controls to ensure the plant regenerates normally.
The Plant
Yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) is a tall mountain plant whose root, extracted by specialized gatherers, the "gentianaires," is used in herbalism and liqueur making. Difficult to extract, it was nicknamed "the poor man's quinquina" because of its beneficial and digestive bitter ingredients. The gentian used for this liqueur comes from a sustainable development sector, controlled by the Gentiana Lutea association, which manages the exploitation of this wild plant.
Production
The gentian root is infused in 96% organic wheat alcohol, before blending with an organic sugar syrup made by a landowner harvesting in the Palatine Forest. The water comes from the Boubioz spring, near Lake Annecy. No additives are added during production. The liqueur, aged in rum barrels, includes coriander seeds and lemon zest. Unlimited aging potential.
Tasting
This gentian has everything going for it, starting with its bitterness. This is indeed the desired flavor in this liqueur, and the Granier brothers know how to let it express itself with frankness and simplicity in order to preserve the strong identity of this noble plant. A few drops on a sugar cube, or a small glass as an aperitif, or as a digestif (with or without ice). Sovereign in case of stomach problems, tones the liver. Despite its bitterness, it can be paired with various dishes, especially as an aperitif. Try it with a ham and butter sandwich! It goes well with charcuterie, cured meats, dry sausages for example. Idea: pour a few drops into your coffee! Or in the batter of a chocolate cake.
Learn more about Granier liqueurs
The Granier liqueur factory — two brothers, Vincent and Stéphane Granier — produces artisanal liqueurs from the Haute-Savoie region. Flavor, sweetness, and balance are their great qualities, resulting from a meticulous and measured infusion technique to minimize extraction.
Wild or organically grown
The plants grown organically, or picked in the mountains surrounding Annecy, are obtained through short supply chains and for this reason reflect the flora of the steep meadows or gardens of Haute-Savoie. Everything is organic and additive-free, from the initial infusion to bottling.
Intact flavors
During the tasting, we were amazed by the Granier liqueurs, one after the other. Never before have we been given such fresh plant flavors by liqueurs. We have the sensation of tasting the plant itself, infused in all its singularity, supported by just the right amount of organic sugar (that is to say, little) produced in the Palatine Forest and just the right amount of alcohol. An organic beer alcohol that allows the plant to convey its message without interference. Not only is it delicious, but it is also an excellent digestif. Verbena, genepi, gentian, mint or meadowsweet, we guarantee you: you will have a good time.
Pastis 2022 Spirits
Garagai
Garagaï is an organic and artisanal pastis from the Provençal region, produced by Maixent Dubois. All the plants that compose it were either picked in the Sainte-Victoire mountain region, in the Aix region in the spring of 2022, or grown organically at the distillery. It's a distinctive and delicious pastis that will be a welcome change from industrial versions.
Production
The plants, picked at the time of flowering, are macerated while still fresh. The maceration time depends on each plant, depending on how the macerates are tasted. The macerates are then filtered and the remaining plants distilled. The blend is carried out over about twenty macerations, after which the mixture rests to marry the aromas and is filtered before bottling. The sweetening is very light, at a rate of 6 g of Butinarello lavender honey per liter of pastis. Here is the composition: star anise, licorice, wild thyme, lemon thyme, rosemary, savory, fennel, tarragon, lemon balm, lemon basil, Marseille basil, absinthe, mugwort, bay leaf, peppermint, spearmint, dill, coriander, green anise, oregano, hyssop, agastache.
Tasting
You can immediately taste the difference, this Garagaï pastis has nothing to do with the mass-market versions: no overly sweet notes; the blend is subtle, the plants form a harmonious bouquet. The aging potential is unlimited, but it is recommended to drink an opened bottle within two months to preserve all its aromatic qualities. What do you serve this pastis with? Peanuts. But also small antipasti from Olio di Serra, Mediterranean starters, tapas, Spanish canned fish, cured meats, the bottarga…
Learn more about the Garagaï distillery
Garagaï is the name of a chasm (or rather two chasms, the large and small Garagaï) located at the top of the Sainte-Victoire mountain. It follows that the products of the Garagaï distillery display a strong Provençal identity. The distillery was born in 2019, created by Maixent Dubois, a local boy who went from working in winemaking to working with spirits.
A desire for pastis
Maixent has long dreamed of making pastis. He will interpret the recipe with love and finesse, growing his organic plants on site or having them picked in the Aix region, around the Sainte-Victoire mountain. The result is a first distinctive and emblematic product, Garagaï pastis, released in 2020. It is made using entirely artisanal methods and organic products, and distilled in a Charentais-style still. Other pastis will follow, as well as syrups made from Mediterranean plants.
The aperitif of the sun
Obtained using various techniques (hot infusion, cold maceration, bain-marie distillation), Garagaï pastis are subtle, complex, and aromatic thanks to the meticulous work of blending the distillates. This will be a change from industrial pastis; it's time to rediscover this aperitif liqueur that so beautifully evokes summer and sunshine.
Sloe Liqueur 2017,
Here's an organic and natural sloe liqueur from the Cazottes distillery, direct from Gaillac (Tarn). The fruit is small but powerful and intense in flavor, and protected by thorns, so it's well worth it. Handcrafted, without pesticides, colorings, or other additives, this traditional liqueur is 18% ABV.
Production
The wild sloes are picked by Laurent Cazottes from the hedges of his garden at the end of December, when the first frosts have concentrated their flavor. They are hand-crushed, then gently macerated for fourteen months in the estate's slightly sweetened organic wine brandy. After pressing and distillation, the marc is reintroduced into the brandy to obtain color, vitality and length.
Tasting
A bittersweet symphony, a magical liqueur with a slightly tiled ruby color, lively and luminous. The nose is all about stewed red fruits, and on the palate, a round and tasty fruitiness is asserted, structured by a rich and melted substance. Pairs with just about anything, sweet or savory: charcuterie, cured meats, cheeses, pastries.
Learn more about the Cazottes distillery
Laurent Cazottes, winemaker, distiller and natural liqueur maker, is a revealer of quintessences. In Villeneuve-sur-Vère, near Gaillac (Tarn), he cultivates a veritable Eden of biodiversity. On limestone soil, he cares for fruit trees, vines, shrubs, and vegetable plants, which he transforms into wines, eaux-de-vie, and liqueurs.
Production secrets
First of all, the integrity of the fruit and the vine, cultivated in certified organic (Eurofeuille and Nature & Progrès labels) and biodynamically, then careful care given to their maceration at perfect maturity in the estate's organic eau-de-vie, and finally a precise and light dosage of sugar.
The Cazottes touch
"Liqueur does not mean sweet," Laurent likes to say. The particularity of Cazottes liqueurs and eaux-de-vie is their fidelity to the raw material: it is the whole fruit that we have in our mouths, with all its nuances and its deliciousness. They are low in alcohol and low in sugar: they are exceptional nectars.
