Meletti Fernet Liqueur
Meletti Fernet Liqueur is the Meletti family's full-strength fernet: a deeply bitter, herb-driven digestivo bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in the house's vintage-label bottle. Fernet is the most intense corner of the amaro family, and Meletti's pours it the old way - bracing, minty and bone dry. It sits in our liqueurs collection next to the benchmark Fernet Branca.
- Style: Fernet (bitter herbal liqueur)
- Character: Intensely bitter, mint-forward, dry
- Origin: Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche, Italy
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
The Story
Ditta Silvio Meletti has made liqueurs in Ascoli Piceno, in Italy's Le Marche region on the Adriatic coast, since 1870 - five generations of the same family, working from Silvio Meletti's original recipes and his bain-marie still, a slow, gentle distillation he developed to protect delicate aromatics. Most ingredients still come from local Le Marche producers who grow exclusively for the house.
Fernet began as a pharmacist's bitter tonic in 19th-century Italy and became the digestivo of choice for those who like their after-dinner drink to push back. The Meletti version follows the family's old recipe in the black bottle with the ornate medal-covered label the house has used for generations - a signal that what is inside makes no concessions.
Tasting Notes
Full-on minty from the first sip straight through the exhale. The moderately bitter midpalate offers hints of dark chocolate, espresso and allspice over a deep herbal base, finishing dry, cooling and very long.
How to Enjoy
Sip it neat after a big meal, the Italian way, or give it the bartender's-handshake treatment in a small chilled pour. In cocktails it is the backbone of a Hanky Panky or a Toronto, and a barspoon of it adds a bitter-mint edge to an Old Fashioned. For a rounder, sweeter house digestivo, compare the Meletti Amaro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does fernet taste like?
Intensely bitter and herbal - mint, dark chocolate, espresso and warm spice - with a dry, lingering finish. It is an acquired taste that rewards patience.
How strong is Meletti Fernet?
40% ABV (80 proof), full spirit strength, unlike softer amari.
When do you drink it?
Traditionally after dinner as a digestivo, neat at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Meletti Fernet Liqueur (750mL) is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, with fast, secure shipping on every order.