Scarlet Japanese Fernet Amaro 700ml
Scarlet Japanese Fernet Amaro 700ml
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Scarlet "Japanese Fernet" Amaro
An Avant-Garde Reinterpretation of a Global Classic
While Fernet is traditionally rooted in Northern Italy, Scarlet Fernet is a bold, boundary-pushing expression from Iseya Distillery in Kanagawa, Japan. Created by Tatsuya Motonaga, a veteran of Tokyo’s legendary Bar Benfiddich, this amaro is a "labor of love" that adapts the notoriously bitter style to Japan's unique botanical landscape and regulations.
Because the use of gentian (the standard bittering agent in European Fernet) is restricted in Japan, Motonaga-san utilized an ingenious blend of chicory and aloe to achieve the hallmark "bracing bitterness." The result is a Fernet that feels familiar yet entirely original, offering a more rounded, umami-driven profile than its Western counterparts.
The Art of the Iseya Distillery
Located in a 100-year-old renovated house near Lake Sagami, Iseya Distillery operates with a farm-to-bottle philosophy.
- Estate-Grown Botanicals: Nearly half of the 30+ botanicals used, including sorrel, mint, and raspberry flower, are grown without pesticides on the distillery’s own farm.
- Whisky Cask Marriage: The base (a neutral sugarcane spirit) is aged for a minimum of one year in rare ex-Chichibu whisky casks, adding a layer of smoky, woody refinement.
- Handcrafted Precision: Every bottle is hand-filled, hand-labeled, and wax-sealed, representing the pinnacle of the emerging Japanese craft amaro scene.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: An intriguing mix of aromatic "gingersnap" spice, medicinal herbal tea, and the distinct, mystical scent of Palo Santo. High notes of cooling mint and eucalyptus are grounded by earthy rooibos and cinnamon.
- Palate: Brilliantly balanced. The initial entry is surprisingly approachable with a delicate honeyed sweetness and notes of "natural cola" and licorice. This quickly evolves into a complex, layered bitterness of aloe and galangal root.
- Finish: Long and clean. Unlike the "harsh" punch of mass-market Fernets, the finish here is graceful, leaving behind traces of bitter chocolate, tobacco leaf, and a refreshing umami depth.
Serving Suggestion
Scarlet Fernet is sophisticated enough to be sipped neat as a digestif, appreciating its cask-aged nuances. However, its rounded spice profile makes it an excellent substitute for traditional Fernet in a Hanky Panky or a Toronto cocktail, adding an unmistakable Japanese elegance.
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What is the difference between Tequila & Mezcal?
Tequila is a type of mezcal, much like how scotch and bourbon are types of whiskey.
Tequila and mezcal are both types of agave-based spirits that are popular in Mexico, but there are some key differences between the two. Tequila is made exclusively from the blue agave plant, which is primarily grown in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, about 40 miles northwest of Guadalajara. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from any type of agave plant, and is often made using traditional, labor-intensive methods.
One of the most noticeable differences between tequila and mezcal is their flavor. Tequila is typically smooth and subtle, with hints of fruit and spices, while mezcal has a more complex, smoky flavor that comes from the roasting of the agave hearts before they are fermented and distilled.
Another difference between the two spirits is their production process. Tequila is typically made using modern industrial methods, while mezcal is often produced using traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations. This can give mezcal a more authentic, artisanal character.
In general, tequila is considered to be a more refined and sophisticated spirit, while mezcal is often viewed as a more rustic and traditional drink. Both are popular in Mexico and are enjoyed around the world, so the best way to decide which one you like is to try them both and see which one suits your tastes.
Where do you ship to?
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California Proposition 65 Warning
Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects.
For more information go to - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol.