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Hey Suze

In 1889, the same year the Eiffel tower is built, Fernand Moureaux decides to create a unique aperitif using yellow gentian and other herbs. Gentiana lutea is an herbaceous perennial plant, native to the mountains of central and southern Europe. Sometimes referred to as ‘Yellow Gentian’, ‘Bitter Root’, ‘Bitterwort’, ‘Centiyane’, ‘Genciana’, and “The Devil’s Taint.” It is remarkable for the intensely bitter properties resulting from secoiridoid, glycosides, amarogentin, and gentiopicrin contained within.  Gentian root has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders and is an ingredient in many medicines. In fact, the name is a tribute to Gentius, an Illyrian king who was thought to have discovered that herbs had tonic properties. It was also used in the Middle Ages as an antidote to poison.
Moureaux was an ambitious promoter and Suze eventually weaves it's way into French culture.  In 1912 a bottle of Suze makes its way into a Picasso Painting "Verre et Bouteillle de Suze" and in 1933 Suze is the sponsor of the Tour de France.
Fast forward over 100 years later and Suze remains the fifth best-selling liqueur in France.  Just a few years ago, Suze started showing up in the US.  Its arrival in the US coincides with the craft spirit movement and mixologists are quick to discover its affinity for mixing...especially with bourbon and rye.

What's distinctive about Suze is its long history.  Unlike the many newfangled concoctions showing up in the market today, it's nice to discover something that's been around for over 100 years.  When you taste its bitter, heirloom-herbal and citrus flavors you can't help but get a sense of its genuine history. It's a wonderful addition to any bourbon lover's bar stock.

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