Gentian is named after Gentius, King of Illyria in the 1st century BC, who is said to have discovered the plants ability to reduce fevers. It is an alpine plant that grows successfully in the Massif Central region of France, has a delicate yellow flower & a large tuberous root which is used in the making of many bitter liqueurs. The Salers distillery is the oldest of all the producers of this unique aperitif style. Based in the eponymous town close by the Puy Marie, the highest mountain in the region & source of the finest gentian root. Fabled as an aid to the digestion this is still a widely popular drink in France. Serve well chilled over plenty of ice.