Gentian Spirits

Gentian Spirits

Liqueurs Granier

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.