What is the difference between gentian and Suze?

Between wild plants and industrial aperitifs: let's sort out the truth from the lies

Many people think that gentian and Suze are two different words for the same product. In reality, they are two very different things: one is a plant , the other is a brand of industrial aperitif . This confusion is common—and deliberately maintained—but it deserves clarification. Here's everything you need to know about the difference between gentian and Suze .

🌿 Gentian: a medicinal mountain plant

Yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) is a perennial plant native to the French mountains (Massif Central, Alps, Pyrenees). Its root is mainly used, as it contains natural bitter ingredients with recognized digestive properties .

Characteristics of gentian:

  • Bitter root, very aromatic

  • Used since ancient times to stimulate the appetite

  • Central ingredient in many traditional French liqueurs

  • Raw, unprocessed product

🥃 La Suze: a brand of gentian-based aperitif

La Suze is a registered trademark , founded in 1889, which markets an aperitif drink based on gentian extracts . It is an industrial product, manufactured in large quantities, distributed in supermarkets and bars.

Characteristics of the Suze:

  • Alcoholic product with a strength of 15%

  • Secret recipe, containing flavorings and added sugar

  • Rounder, more accessible taste, but less complex

  • Mass distribution (Pernod Ricard)

⚖️ Comparison: Gentian vs Suze


Criteria Gentian Suze
Nature Wild plant Trademark
Use Medicinal plant and liqueur base Alcoholic aperitif based on gentian
Origin French mountains French industrial product
Taste Raw, intense vegetable bitterness Bitter sweet, milder, standardized
Added sugar No (in the raw plant) Yes, in the drink
Distillation Not necessary Yes, or use of flavors
Presence of artificial flavors No Probably (secret recipe)
Targeting Lovers of artisanal liqueurs General public, bars


🧪 A question of manufacturing and transparency

At De Michellot , we offer a real gentian liqueur :

  • Made from fresh roots

  • Slow cold maceration , without distillation

  • Whole plants , no artificial flavors

  • Sugar reduced to a minimum, just to balance the bitterness

💡 Unlike Suze, our liqueur highlights the raw and natural taste of gentian , in all its vegetal complexity.

💬 FAQ: Gentiane vs Suze


Question Answer
Is Suze gentian? No, it's an aperitif made with gentian extract.
Is gentian an alcohol? No, it's a plant; it's used in liqueurs.
What is the difference between a craft liqueur and Suze? Artisanal liqueur = natural maceration; Suze = flavorings, sugar, industrialization
Why is Suze sweeter? To soften the bitterness and please the general public
What is the authentic taste of gentian? Bitter, woody, intense, vegetal

🥃 Rediscover the real gentian with De Michellot

Want to discover what gentian really has in its belly ? Try our artisanal liqueur , without artifice, without compromise, born from the terroir and French know-how.

👉 Order Michellot's gentian liqueur
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