Pierre Ferrand - Dry Curaçao (750ml)

Based on recipes dating back to the 1800's, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao Ancienne Methode is a recreation of the dry, complex orange liqueur used by bartending pioneers of the 19th century. Developed by Pierre Ferrand proprietor Alexandre Gabriel and cocktail historian David Wondrich, this liqueur is created by macerating bitter Curacao orange peels, vanilla, prunes, lemon peels and sweet oranges, along with over a dozen other ingredients, in unaged brandy. This is then re-distilled and blended with aged brandy and Pierre Ferrand Cognac, before finally being matured in oak casks. The result is a complex, bittersweet liqueur brimming with natural orange flavor, perfectly balanced by hints of vanilla, spice, herbs and a subtle floral note.

New to the U.S. market in 2012, this "dry" Cura?ao is intriguing and should work well as a sophisticated sweetener alongside bitter-edged spirits and darker, biting spirits like rye whiskey. While not precisely dry, this golden liqueur has its vanilla sweetness tempered by a wash of bitter orange. The scent is rich and agave-like, with a touch of mezcal-like funkiness.