Brand
Suze
Suze is a classic French aperitif made from gentian roots, known for its golden-yellow color and bitter taste. Created in 1889, it is now part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio and is used both as an aperitif and in mixology.
- Maisons-Alfort · Île-de-France · France
- Since 1889
The story
Suze was created in 1889 by Fernand Moreau, heir to a family distillery: the aperitif was developed from gentian roots and quickly became famous. In 1896 the iconic bottle was designed, and in 1900 the product received the gold medal at the Paris Universal Exposition. Over the 20th century the brand changed ownership and is today owned by the Pernod Ricard group (acquired 1965). The bottle and brand have also inspired works of art, including a 1912 collage by Pablo Picasso.
Production philosophy
Suze highlights the tradition of French gentian combined with a secret aromatic bouquet, focusing on an unconventional personality and versatility in cocktails and aperitifs. The brand emphasizes the mountainous origin of the raw material (gentian roots) and its long history as part of French aperitif culture.
Territory
France; historic production linked to the Rousseau distillery in Maisons-Alfort, with gentian roots harvested in the French mountains.
Awards and recognition
Gold medal — Paris Universal Exposition (1900).
Production method
According to official and technical sources, production is based on maceration of gentian roots and the use of aromatic plant extracts; the preparations are then blended according to the brand's traditional recipe. Some technical descriptions also mention phases of distillation of the maceration in related preparations.
Distillation
Maceration of gentian roots and blending with aromatic extracts; in some technical descriptions the maceration may be followed by distillation of the mixture.
Characteristics
- Type
- Brand
- City
- Maisons-Alfort
- Categories
- gentian liqueurs
- French aperitifs
- cocktail bitters
- herbal liqueurs
- Raw materials
- gentian roots (Gentiana lutea)
- neutral spirit
- aromatic plant extracts
- sugar
- Representative products
- Suze L'Originale (15% ABV)
- Racines de Suze (36% ABV)
- Suze Tonic
- Suze Tonic Zero
- Suze Bitters (linea per bartender)
What makes it distinctive
- Brand created in 1889 by Fernand Moreau.
- Iconic bottle designed in 1896.
- Gold medal at the Paris Universal Exposition in 1900.
- Brand owned by Pernod Ricard since 1965.
- Known for its golden-yellow color and bitter gentian-based flavor.
- Range includes low-alcohol versions (L'Originale 15% ABV) and bartender-focused variants such as Racines and Bitters.
Products from Suze
Full collectionThere are currently no products available from this producer.