Salers Gentiane is the oldest gentian aperitif of the Massif Central, made since 1885 in Corrèze from the roots of yellow gentian. In 1885, distiller Alfred Labounoux — delivering kirsch in the Cantal — discovered the "quinquina of the poor," an infusion of gentian roots in white wine; finding the roots abundant on the plateau of Salers, he loaded his truck rather than return empty-handed, and La Salers Gentiane was born. The gentian takes some twenty years to reach adult size and blooms only once every two years; under a sustainable agriculture policy, the roots are pulled by hand to respect the surrounding Auvergne flora and pastures, then washed and crushed within 24 hours of harvest. The roots are macerated in alcohol for several weeks, distilled in copper stills, blended with the maceration and a subtle bouquet of spices and botanicals, and aged more than three years in Limousin oak vats. Today produced in Turenne as part of the family Vedrenne group — and famously a main sponsor of the Tour de France in 1938.
Tasting Notes: Dry, rooty, and vividly bitter — much less sweet than its rivals, with pure gentian bitterness, a saline mineral edge, and a long, clean, austere finish.
How to Use: As an aperitif or digestif — pure, lengthened with sparkling water, a little lemon juice, or a dash of crème de cassis; American bartenders have adopted it as the drier, greener alternative to Suze in White Negronis and low-ABV highballs.
ABV: 16% (32 Proof)
