Martini & Rossi China Martini Bitter Liqueur 32%

There's something about a yellowed label with faded red and green scrollwork that tells you more than any tasting note ever could. This bottle sat on a shelf long before anyone thought of "bottling date" as a marketing word.

Expert's Description

China Martini Bitter Liqueur is an Italian herbal bitter from Martini & Rossi made from genuine cinchona bark and bottled at 32%. The recipe dates back to 1887 and remains one of the house's most closely guarded secrets — the exact proportions of herbs, flowers and cinchona bark are known to only a handful of people at the distillery. This particular bottle wasn't bottled in Turin, but under licence by Martini & Rossi Aktiengesellschaft in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, as shown clearly by the "Deutsches Erzeugnis" mark at the bottom of the label. A German licensed bottling like this tells its own story about how Martini & Rossi, in the decades after the war, chose to produce closer to German consumers rather than export everything from Italy. Cinchona bark is the natural source of quinine, and the liqueur has historically been used both as a digestif and, in more folk-medicinal circles, against fever and digestive troubles. On the back of the bottle, the original serving suggestions are still printed in German: neat, with ice and soda water, or with hot water and a twist of lemon peel.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Dry and herbal with a hint of bitter orange peel, gentian, and a faint medicinal note from the cinchona bark.

Palate

Bittersweet with notes of caramelised sugar, dried herbs, and a sharp citrus edge.

Finish

Long and bitter with a dry, herbal close reminiscent of an old apothecary cabinet.

Specifications

Flavour Profile

Bitter · Herbal · Spiced · Citrus notes

Investment Potential

Medium – German licensed bottlings of China Martini marked "Deutsches Erzeugnis" surface rarely, and the original recipe and strength were discontinued long ago in favour of today's weaker version. Collectors of vintage Italian bitter liqueurs and Martini & Rossi memorabilia seek out bottles like this one.

Did You Know?

Today's China Martini is only sold at 25% alcohol – so the bottle you're looking at here is noticeably stronger than the version available today.

Please note: This bottle is sold as a collector's item. The quality of the contents cannot be guaranteed, and the bottle may show scratches and marks – see the photo.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Martini & Rossi China Martini Bitter Liqueur

What kind of liqueur is China Martini?

It's an Italian bitter liqueur from Martini & Rossi made from cinchona bark, with a recipe dating back to 1887. It's classed as a digestif alongside other Italian "amari".

Why does the label say Deutsches Erzeugnis?

Because this bottle wasn't bottled in Italy, but under licence by Martini & Rossi Aktiengesellschaft in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. It was common in the decades after the war for major Italian brands to have German subsidiaries bottle locally.

Is China Martini the same as regular Martini Vermouth?

No. Regular Martini is a wine-based vermouth, while China Martini is a stronger, bitter herbal liqueur built around cinchona bark and quinine.

How should you drink China Martini?

The back label on this bottle suggests three ways: neat, with ice and soda water, or with hot water and a slice of lemon peel.

Is 32% stronger than the China Martini sold today?

Yes. Today's version is typically sold at 25% alcohol, so this older bottling is noticeably stronger.

What does the cinchona bark contribute to the flavour?

Cinchona bark contributes a dry, faintly medicinal bitterness, balanced by sweetness and herbs elsewhere in the recipe.

Is this bottle meant for collecting or drinking?

Both are possible, but with a bottle this old, it's worth smelling and only tasting a small amount first to judge whether the contents are still good.