Dark, bitter and close to impenetrable. Fernet Branca has been poured in Milan since 1845, making people wrinkle their noses and ask for another. Here it comes in 24 small bottles, one for every day of December, with six Menta bottles tucked in as a breather.
Expert's Description
Fernet Branca Advent Calendar 2026 is an Italian Liqueur with 24 miniature bottles of 2 cl: 18 Fernet Branca at 39% and 6 Fernet Menta at 28%, both built on a Fernet that has spent at least a year in oak casks.
The contents come from Fratelli Branca Distillerie in Milan, and the calendar is a limited Christmas release for people who would rather find something bitter than something sweet behind the doors. The box holds 48 cl in total, so every door gives a small sip, not a full glass.
Fernet Branca was created by Bernardino Branca in 1845 and is made from 27 herbs, roots and spices gathered from four continents. Saffron, myrrh, rhubarb, chamomile, cardamom, aloe and gentian are among them. It started out as a herbal remedy for upset stomachs, which is why it is still drunk after dinner. In Argentina it is mixed with cola instead, and plenty of people swear by it.
Fernet Menta arrived in the 1960s. The story goes that people were already stirring mint syrup into their Fernet, so Branca made a version with peppermint oil and a little sugar. It is softer and easier to get into, but the bitterness is still there.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Fernet Branca opens with myrrh, saffron and bitter herbs, with a cool note of mint over the top. Fernet Menta turns it around: fresh peppermint first, spiced herbs underneath and a hint of liquorice.
Palate
Fernet Branca is powerful and full, with bitterness, spice and herbs in layer after layer. Fernet Menta is a little sweeter and softer, but the peppermint and menthol stay sharp, and the bitterness keeps it from turning into a dessert liqueur.
Finish
Fernet Branca lingers, warm and bitter, with a cool menthol tone at the end. Fernet Menta finishes long and cooling, with herbal spice and a little bitterness in the background.
Specifications
Name: Fernet Branca Advent Calendar 2026 Italian Liqueur 24 x 2 cl
Distillery: Fratelli Branca Distillerie
Region/Country: Milan, Italy
Type: Italian Liqueur
ABV: 28-39%
Size: 2 CL per bottle
Number of bottles: 24, split into 18 Fernet Branca and 6 Fernet Menta
Edition: Advent Calendar 2026
Serving suggestion: Fernet Branca neat and cold in a small glass after dinner. Fernet Menta over ice or with a splash of soda if you want it lighter.
Flavour Profile
Bitter · Herbal · Spicy · Mint · Cooling
Did You Know?
Branca says that only one person knows the full recipe for Fernet Branca. 27 herbs and spices, measured out to a family secret that is written nowhere on the bottle.
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