Tempus Fugit Spirits Fernet Del Frate
44% ABV (88 proof) | 750mL | Fernet | Matter Distillery, Switzerland — Tempus Fugit Spirits Fernet Del Frate is an Italian-style fernet produced at Matter Distillery in Switzerland from an original hand-written 1930 recipe, purchased from a now-closed Italian distillery. Named for Frate (Brother) Angelico, it is built on saffron, myrrh, quinquina, gentiane, angelica and mint — with no added color. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Tempus Fugit ("time flies") specializes in resurrecting lost spirits from original recipes, and Fernet Del Frate is one of its signature revivals: a true fernet in the old Italian manner, bitter and aromatic rather than sweet. The saffron and myrrh give it a distinctive golden-bitter character that stands apart from mass-market fernet. A connoisseur's bitter for the back bar.
Tasting notes
Intensely herbal and bitter: saffron and myrrh up front, gentian and quinquina bitterness, angelica and mint lift, finishing long, dry and golden-bitter. No added color — what you see is what the botanicals give.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 88 proof fernet from an original 1930 recipe
- Saffron, myrrh, quinquina, gentiane, angelica, mint — no added color
- Produced at Matter Distillery, Switzerland
- From Tempus Fugit's historic-recipe revival program
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
As a shot or digestivo the traditional way; a few dashes transform a manhattan or an old fashioned.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fernet Del Frate Italian?
It is Italian-style but Swiss-made — produced at Matter Distillery in Switzerland from a 1930 Italian recipe.
What size is the bottle?
750mL — the bottle label confirms it.
What is fernet?
A bitter Italian herbal liqueur, traditionally sipped as a digestivo. Fernet Del Frate is a historic-recipe example of the style.