Suze

Sharon Bowman

Sharon Bowman
Apparently, this country favorite (well, relatively speaking) is trying to give itself a new shine. They're marketing more vigorously, etc., and vying for a "hipster" crowd.

My thought, though, really is: who on earth likes the taste of it?

Explanations welcome.
 
Gentian based French bitter aperitif.

I'm not sure if it's officially being sold in MA, but I'm seeing it around. It's cocktail culture pushing it, I think. The Frenchified bistros needed an analogue to the Italian's amari, too.

As to the taste... well, it's got Moxie!
 
originally posted by Seth Hill:
Gentian based French bitter aperitif.

I'm not sure if it's officially being sold in MA, but I'm seeing it around. It's cocktail culture pushing it, I think. The Frenchified bistros needed an analogue to the Italian's amari, too.

As to the taste... well, it's got Moxie!

It's got Moxie, because it's got gentian. That's where the flavor---and the bitterness---comes from in Suze.

Hit here as a brief trend on back bars a couple of years ago, but faded just as quickly. Even the young hipsters weren't quite ready for it.

Suspect it might appeal to any who like Campari though.
 
From l'Arbre Vert in Ammerschwihr a few years back:

G. Miclo Gentiane Eau-de-Vie (Alsace) Made from gentian root, a traditional element of bitters that also shows up in the now-cultish soft drink Moxie. Its full of slate and a harsh metallic edge not unlike that of raw turmeric, with a sharpness that I dont care for. (3/06)
 
originally posted by Hoke:

It's got Moxie, because it's got gentian. That's where the flavor---and the bitterness---comes from in Suze.

C'mon, Hoke. Gimme a bit of credit for my periphrasis... ;)

Considering the rage for self-made bitters and the front-and-center presence of gentian in the classic Angostura and Peychaud's, I doubt Suze is going to have much of a lasting place with the serious cocktailians, but you'll likely see it as a spritz (as you mention with Campari).
 
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