Distiller Notes
Since 2015, Merlet Saintonge Blackcurant liqueur (Crème de cassis de Saintonge) holds the Geographical Indication status, in recognition of a unique 30-years expertise in growing blackcurrants and turning them into liqueur. The Charentais terroir imparts unique properties to the Noir de Bourgogne variety, naturally rustic, and limits its yields. The harvested berries are small, but very rich. The berries are soaked in pure alcohol to extract all their flavours, then pressed and filtered. Sugar is added to this natural fruit infusion to obtain the Crème de cassis. Complete control of every stages of the process, from the cultivation and harvest of the fruits at their ripest to their transformation by Merlet, guarantees, together with the very high concentration of macerated fruits, the intensity and complexity of the final product.
An opaque purple colour, almost black, paints the glass. Very intense nose of ripe cassis. Bold spices, mint, tobacco and pepper notes. Supple, lightly syrupy palate and an explosively tangy and pure cassis fruit finish that leaves a lasting, delicious impression.
Proof: 40
First prepared by 13th century Italian monks as herbal medicines and elixirs, Liqueurs are distilled spirits that have been combined with flavoring agents. A range of herbs, spices, nuts, fruits and flowers can be used, and a sweetener such as sugar or corn syrup is often added. While typically rather sweet, some examples are herbaceous or tart and pair exceptionally well with desserts or act as a delightful addition to cocktails.