Salers Gentiane Aperitif

I don't usually drink bitter liqueurs straight, but I enjoy them in cocktails, so I keep a good selection. Salers is apparently available in different proofs, but in the US, I've only found the 32 proof version. The aroma is dominated by herbal notes. After a couple of sips, despite the low alcohol content, it's definitely not sweet; in fact, it's quite dry, with gentian root being the first flavor detected, followed immediately by a persistent bitterness. The finish is quite smooth, with the bitterness gradually fading. At just $20, it's a very useful bitter liqueur for cocktails. Most people probably won't drink this neat often, but if they do, they'll likely appreciate its straightforward, gentian root-forward taste. As a cocktail ingredient, I'd rate it a 4. Neat or on ice, I'd give it a 3 or 3.25.

5.17.23 Served: Chilled, Snifter Bottle Open: 1 Week Last intake: Grilled cheese I've reached for this bottle multiple times this week, trying to discover something redeeming about this liqueur. It eventually becomes tiresome before I can simply accept that it's uninteresting. It's like roasted peanut shells in slightly sweet, thick water. There are faint hints of flavor, and the flavors surprisingly react well to ice. This might improve a martini. And it becomes more appealing as you drink it. Not everything needs to be intensely flavored, so I guess this has its place. But I truly expected more for the cost. 2.5/5 I don't understand it.

A bitter French aperitif based on gentian. Light yellow, herbal, and mildly bitter with little sweetness (unlike another brand). Mixes well.

Not overly sweet, and it improves considerably with a bit of lemon.