Tempus Fugit Spirits Kina L'Aero d'Or Aperitif
Tempus Fugit Spirits Kina L'Aero d'Or Aperitif is an 18% ABV French-style quinquina — a golden-age aperitif wine recreated from a 19th-century recipe. The base is white wine from Piedmont-grown Cortese grapes, infused with cinchona bark (quinine), orange peel, wormwood, and other exotic spices in an Alps-Provence style. Deep golden hue; aromas of quince and fine marmalade; a complex, mildly bitter taste with well-balanced sweetness prolonging the finish. The name means "The Golden Aeroplane," a tribute to Louis Blériot's 1909 first flight across the English Channel. The historically correct kina for a 20th Century, a Vesper, or a Corpse Reviver #2. Order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 18% (36 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: French quinquina/kina aperitif wine — 19th-century recipe
- Base: Piedmont Cortese white wine infused with cinchona bark, orange peel, wormwood, and exotic spices
- Namesake: "The Golden Aeroplane" — tribute to Blériot's 1909 Channel flight
The Golden Aeroplane of Aperitifs
In the late 19th century, quinquinas were everywhere — quinine-based aperitif wines invented to make the antimalarial palatable, then beloved on their own. The original Kina Lillet was one of them, and when Lillet dropped the quinine, the classic Vesper and Corpse Reviver #2 lost their backbone. L'Aéro d'Or puts it back: real cinchona bark, real bitterness, the genuine article. Browse Tempus Fugit Spirits or explore liqueurs.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: beautiful deep golden hue. Nose: quince and fine marmalade (official); bittersweet citrus, mild quinine, flowers, warming spices (The Whisky Exchange). Palate: complex and mildly bitter with well-balanced sweetness; long finish of bitter bark, elderflower blossom, and gentle spice.
How to Enjoy
Chilled on its own, or as the historically correct kina in a 20th Century, a Vesper, or a Corpse Reviver #2. Refrigerate after opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a quinquina, and is this like Kina Lillet? Quinquinas ("kinas") were quinine-based French aperitif wines of the late 19th/early 20th century — the original Kina Lillet was one. L'Aéro d'Or recreates that style with real cinchona bark, making it the authentic substitute in a Vesper or Corpse Reviver #2.
What cocktails use Kina L'Aero d'Or? Per the brand: the 20th Century, the Vesper, and the Corpse Reviver #2 — plus sipped chilled on its own; refrigerate after opening.
The Vesper's missing ingredient, found — order Kina L'Aero d'Or online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.