Génépi L'Ancienne has been produced in Chambéry for more than a hundred years to Philibert Routin’s recipe.

GÉNÉPI: A UNIQUE-TASTING ALPINE PLANT
Génépi liqueur is obtained from the Alps’ best-known aromatic plant, génépi, which belongs to the sage family and grows in the Alps. With the development of tourism and winter sports, the liqueur has become, a symbol of the French Alps.

A PROPRIETARY MACERATION AND DISTILLATION PROCESS
Created in 1893, Génépi L'Ancienne stems from the Distillery’s century-old craftsmanship. A careful selection of génépi sprigs, coupled with complete mastery of distillation and maceration times, highlights the plant’s intense and subtle flavours, with no hint of bitterness.

OLD-FASHIONED SAVOIR-FAIRE TO PROTECT ITS FLAVOURS
Conscious of the need to preserve its craftsmanship and revive traditional production methods, in 1998 La Distillerie Des Alpes brought back into service its oldest alembic, made in 1901 but unused for more than 50 years.
Génépi L’Ancienne is made in this still, which treats the plants gently and imparts the liqueur’s unique and traditional taste.

The Génépi Plant

An emblematic Alpine plant, this perennial thrives in high-altitude glacial moraines and scree. It is part of the Sage family, like absinthe. There are five aromatic génépi species: Artemisia glacialis, Artemisia umbelliformis, Artemisia spicata, Artemisia nivalis and Artemisia eriantha.

La Distillerie Des Alpes has selected Artemisia umbelliformis (yellow or white génépi), which is also called Artemisia mutellina. This yellow-flowered plant grows in the wild at between 1,800 and 3,200 metres, and blossoms in July and August. In France, this species of génépi is found in the Alps and the Pyrenees.

These days, foraging for génépi is controlled to protect our mountain flora. Almost all the sprigs used by distilleries therefore come from cultivated plants.

Serving suggestions

gravure serveuse bar vermouth routin

Traditionally popular as an after-dinner digestif, Génépi L’Ancienne also makes a good apéritif, served chilled without ice in a tasting or shot glass. It also works well in cocktails.

Distillery tip: our liqueur distillers recommend drinking Génépi l’Ancienne very chilled, so that it fully develops its flavours.

Storage advice: like all liqueurs, génépi is best stored in a cool, dry place away from light.


Recipe ideas