Brand

Baliva

Baliva is a historic Italian liqueur brand best known for its Ferro China, an amaro-tonic based on cinchona bark with the addition of iron salts. The original recipe is attributed to Dr. Ernesto Baliva (late 19th century) and the product is today produced and marketed by Pallini S.p.A.
  • Rome · Lazio · Italy

Baliva

Meet the producer

The story
The Ferro China Baliva recipe dates back to 1894 and is attributed to Dr. Ernesto Baliva, a Roman physician. According to company sources, the traditional formulation — based on cinchona bark with the addition of ferric citrates/iron salts — proved successful from the early years and production on a larger scale was entrusted to Virgilio Pallini; the brand and production were subsequently consolidated within the Pallini range during the 20th and 21st centuries.
Production philosophy
To preserve a traditional recipe rooted in the Italian digestif tradition, enhancing the bitter flavor of cinchona integrated with the tonic element of iron; produced both as a post-meal liqueur and as an ingredient for mixing.
Territory
Italy (Roman recipe and tradition; production and commercialisation entrusted to Pallini S.p.A., a company with facilities in Rome, Lazio).
Awards and recognition
8 gold medals reported by the company in the product's historical description.
Production method
Produced by infusion/maceration of cinchona bark and a blend of herbs, roots and spices; integration with iron salts (ferric citrate as described in historical accounts), sugar and alcohol, followed by filtration, blending and bottling under the responsibility of the current producer.
Characteristics
Type
Brand
City
Rome
Categories
  • herbal liqueurs
  • amari (ferro-china)
  • traditional Italian digestives
  • historic brand
Raw materials
  • cinchona bark
  • extracts of herbs, roots and spices
  • ferric citrate / iron salts (reported in product descriptions)
  • alcohol
Representative products
  • Ferro China Baliva 70cl
What makes it distinctive
  • Historic recipe attributed to Dr. Ernesto Baliva (1894).
  • Category: Ferro-china, a subtype of amaro/tonic characterised by the use of quinine and iron salts.
  • Produced and marketed by Pallini S.p.A. (historic Roman company).
  • Typical commercial format: 70 cl; reported strength around 21–21.5% ABV.

Products from Baliva

Full collection

There are currently no products available from this producer.