Gentian (spirit)

The Gentian is a native of the Alps spirit. The very aromatic bitter spirit be attributed to various healing effects; he shall example, to help stomach problems.

Production

Contrary to popular belief ( still mostly supported by the illustrations on the labels) is fired that spirit drink not from the flower of blue gentians, but from the root of the much larger and therefore more fertile Yellow Gentian. In smaller amounts, the roots of the Purple Gentian, the Eastern Alps - gentian and the dot - gentian be used. The removal of roots from nature is quantitatively highly regulated, therefore purposefully grown plants are used for the production of spirits. The minimum alcohol content of 37.5 percent by volume. To produce 1 liter, it takes about 60 to 70 rhizomes.

Oldest Enzianbrennerei Germany is the Enzianbrennerei Grassl in Berchtesgaden, which can be traced back to 1602.

In Tyrol, the fire is made ​​of both the roots of the Great Yellow Gentian, as well as from those of the Spotted Gentian.

In France also gentian liqueur is widespread, a known product is Suze.