What is the difference between gentian, Suze and Salers?

What is the difference between gentian, Suze and Salers?

Gentian is a legendary mountain plant, known for its amorous roots with digestive properties. It is the basis of many French liqueurs. But between artisanal gentian , Suze and Salers , what are the real differences? Here is a clear guide to better understand these distinctive aperitifs.

1. Gentian, a plant above all

Yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) grows between 800 and 2,000 meters above sea level. Its very bitter root is macerated in alcohol to produce liqueurs and aperitifs. It produces a dry, complex, and very distinctive taste and is known for its digestive properties.

2. Suze: industrial bitterness

  • Brand created in 1889, now owned by the Pernod Ricard group

  • Milder and sweeter taste than artisanal gentians

  • Industrial production, standardized taste, accessible

  • Ideal for simple cocktails (Suze tonic)

Conclusion : Suze is an entry-level gentian, popular, but far from the complexity of artisanal products.

3. Salers: a widely distributed gentian

  • Liqueur created in Cantal in 1885

  • Apartment today in the Vedrenne group

  • More bitter than Suze, but sweeter than artisanal gentian

  • Available in large stores, accessible and very well-known in the Massif Central

Conclusion : Salers offers a more authentic experience than Suze, but remains a semi-industrial version.

4. Artisanal gentian: pure bitterness

At De Michellot , our artisanal gentian liqueur is produced from Auvergne roots, without added flavors or colorings.

  • Long maceration of roots and plants (wild thyme, orange blossom, ginger)

  • Dry, intense, herbaceous taste, very slightly sweet

  • Made in small quantities, in France, by hand

Conclusion : this is the choice of experienced enthusiasts, for a true return to the roots.

Summary table

Product Type Origin Drop Sugar Manufacturing
Gentiane De Michellot Artisanal Auvergne Dry, bitter, natural Weak Homemade maceration
Suze Industrial France Soft, standardized Pupil Industrial production
Salers Semi-industrial Cantal Light bitter AVERAGE Centralized production

Learn more about gentian:

From Michellot , gentian as in the past, serving today's taste.