The region of Bordeaux in France is more known for its characteristic and bold wines than its elixirs and liqueurs. All of that will change in just a few seconds. Meet Marie Brizard.

Marie Brizard is the world leader in top of the line liqueurs and drinks based on plants, fruits, and spices. Created in 1755, the company launched with the creation of one single product, aniseed liqueur. Today, they make a wide range of cocktail-based products: liqueurs, spirits, and syrups that blend exquisitely with cocktails.

The brand launched their newest line, Essence, during Tales of the Cocktail this past week. Hundreds of guests gained exclusive access to the new product at a special tasting room on Friday, July 22 at the Hotel Monteleone. The bold new product line of flavored liqueurs is available in cinnamon, spicy mix, tea, jasmine, rosemary and violet. Emile Chaillot of Ugo & Spirits Bar Consulting, Paris kick started the experience using the new liqueurs in masterfully prepared cocktails that showcase their dramatic flavor potential.

With more than 250 years in existence, Marie Brizard emphasized its great history with a unique tasting experience creatively transporting guests through a historical view of French liqueurs. Three nationally acclaimed mixologists were chosen to guide guests through each part of history, creating era-specific cocktails. Jonathan Pogash (New York’s The World Bar) took charge of the past component. Darryl Robinson (Cooking Channel’s Drink Up) heralded the present component. Finally, Rob Montgomery (Toronto’s Miller Tavern) headed up the DIY bar that was filled with every imaginable ingredient necessary for guests to create bespoke cocktails. Who knew liqueur had so much history?

To learn more about the new liqueur line, please visit Marie Brizard’s website.

Photos courtesy of Gabi Porter.

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