When choosing a fruit liqueur, the most important consideration to think of is the fruit. When you're drinking a natural product, you want the best that nature can give. It all has to do with the terroir, the land and its minerals, surrounding plants and climate. Merlet's signature fruit liqueur, Creme de Cassis, owes its heart to its terroir. This gorgeous, "heavy paint" rose-violet colored liqueur is perfect for a Valentine's Day gift!
I was very happy to have given the opportunity to experience it!
Merlet grows the "Noir de Bourgogne" variety of black currant on poor soil, with poor irrigation and on the southernmost point of its growing area. The fresh fruit is then macerated in small batches, with a tiny bit of sugar to offset the berries' tanginess.
This multi-award winning liqueur is described as being: Opaque violet garnet color paints the glass. Densely concentrated and wild aromas of cassis coulis with hints of menthol tobacco, mint, and peppery spice with a supple, lightly syrupy full body and an explosively tangy and pure cassis fruit finish. Amazing."
This is what I experienced with this exceptional liqueur: The nose had a condensed, tart/fruit pie scent. In flavor, at first, I noticed deep, rich, almost savory quality. There were interesting almost salty notes, in the same vein of a salted liquorice. Then, bright bursts of juicy fruits come out. It does have a light syrupy quality. It would be terrific as an after dinner drink. Also, it's wonderful with extra dark chocolate. I would also suggest drinking it with an exotic cheese plate.
For a fun, easy "girls night out" drink, pour a jigger into a tall glass with ice. Fill to the top with blackberry-raspberry seltzer water. It's a much sweeter drink that way, but good for a party. Club soda or tonic water would also work.
