Fernet Branca Italian Bitter 70 cl 39%

In the busy streets of Milan, bartenders have for generations kept a dark bottle behind the counter, the one regulars order with a nod rather than a name.

Expert description

Fernet Branca is an Italian bitter at 39% ABV, created in 1845 by Bernardino Branca in Milan. The recipe holds 27 different herbs and secret spices, and the bottle has carried its iconic eagle trademark since 1905, now recognised the world over. This 70 cl bottle is the house cornerstone, the classic size around which both restaurants and private collectors build their bar. In Argentina, Fernet Branca has become part of daily life, mixed with cola in what locals call "fernet con coca".

Tasting notes

Nose

Intense bitter herbs, dark liquorice and a hint of mint and citrus peel.

Palate

Powerful and complex, with saffron, myrrh and rhubarb unfolding slowly on the tongue.

Finish

Long, dry and herbally bitter, with a touch of warm spice.

Specifications

Name: Fernet Branca Italian Bitter
Distillery: Fernet Branca
Country/Region: Italy, Milan
Type: Italian Bitter
ABV: 39%
Size: 70 CL
EAN no.: 8004400012924
Serving suggestion: Serve chilled as a digestif, or mixed with cola over ice.

Flavour profile

Herbal bitter · Liquorice · Spiced

Did you know?

The Fernet Branca recipe is known to only a handful of people within the Branca family, and the 27 herbs are still blended in secrecy in Milan.

See our full range of Fernet Branca

Frequently asked questions about Fernet Branca Italian Bitter

What does Fernet Branca taste like?

Intensely herbal and bitter, with notes of liquorice, saffron and myrrh, finishing long and dry.

How many herbs does Fernet Branca contain?

The recipe holds 27 different herbs and secret spices sourced from several continents.

How should the bottle be stored?

Upright, cool and dark, ideally chilled in the fridge before serving.

How long does an opened bottle last?

The high alcohol content and bitter herbs mean an opened bottle keeps its character for years.

How is Fernet Branca traditionally served?

Chilled as a digestif after a meal, or mixed with cola over ice in the Argentine style "fernet con coca".

Does it make a good gift?

Yes, the dark bottle with the black label and golden eagle is a classic choice for anyone curious about Italian bitters.

When was Fernet Branca created?

Bernardino Branca created the recipe in Milan in 1845.