Suze Aperitif

Suze is a classic French aperitif with a captivating, albeit debated, origin story dating back to the late 19th century. While one account credits French distiller Fernand Moureaux with its creation in 1885, inspired by his sister-in-law Suzanne's fondness for gentian drinks, another suggests Swiss herbalist Hans Kapeler developed the recipe and sold it to Moureaux. Regardless of its precise genesis, Suze was officially registered as a brand in 1889 and quickly gained acclaim, even winning a gold medal at the Paris World's Fair that same year. The brand is renowned for its distinctive bittersweet flavor, derived primarily from gentian root, which is harvested from the mountains of France after 20 years of growth. This unique gentian base, combined with a secret blend of aromatics, set Suze apart from the wine-based aperitifs common at the time. Its iconic slender amber bottle, designed in 1896 by Henri Porte, and its association with artists like Picasso, who featured it in a 1912 collage, have further cemented Suze's status as a beloved and enduring French cultural icon, now part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio.

Suze brings a bold, bittersweet, and earthy gentian character to the party, accented by light citrus and floral notes. This classic French aperitif is a star in a White Negroni, adds complexity to spritzes, and pairs surprisingly well with gin or even mezcal in more adventurous concoctions.

Suze offers bright, herbal, and floral aromas with fresh gentian root and citrus peel. The palate delivers an intense, earthy bitterness balanced by subtle sweetness, featuring gentian, citrus, and a hint of spice. It finishes long and pleasantly bitter with lingering gentian and citrus zest.