Bigallet China-China Liqueur
Bigallet China-China Liqueur is a French bittersweet orange amer made by the Bigallet distillery in Virieu, Isère — in the foothills of the French Alps — according to its original 1875 recipe. Sweet Valencia orange peels and bitter Curaçao orange peels are hand-zested, macerated, and redistilled three times in copper alembic pot stills, then blended with gentian, cinchona bark, anise, clove, and alpine botanicals, and bottled at 40% ABV in a 750mL bottle. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: French amer — the French equivalent of amaro; a classic Amer Picon substitute
- Origin: Bigallet distillery, Virieu, Isère, France — made since 1875 (distillery founded 1872 by Félix Bigallet)
- Production: hand-zested sweet and bitter orange peels macerated 3 weeks, distilled in copper alembic pot stills; sugar-beet base spirit; caramel colored
France's Answer to Amaro Since 1875
Félix Bigallet founded his distillery in Lyon in 1872 and moved it to Virieu, his family village at the foot of the Rhône Alps, in 1885 — and the family still runs it today, making fruit syrups and Alpine spirits much as it always has. China-China (pronounced "shee-na shee-na") has been made there since 1875: a base spirit distilled from sugar beets carries triple-distilled orange-peel spirit, earthy gentian and quinine-y cinchona bark, and a warm spice cabinet of anise and clove, married with caramel. It is the pivotal bottle for classic cocktails that call for Amer Picon. Browse the Bigallet collection, more bitter liqueurs and amari, and Del Mesa's aperitif shelf.
Tasting Notes
Expect warm orange aromatics with earthy vegetal undertones — bitter orange peel and marmalade over liquorice, cardamom, and cinnamon spice, per Difford's Guide. The palate is rich and bittersweet: orange zest and baking spice with a hint of mint, finishing long and characterful with a lingering bitter note.
How to Enjoy
Poured over ice as a digestif — the traditional French serve — or in classic cocktails: a Brooklyn, a Liberal, or any recipe calling for Amer Picon. It also anchors a deeper, more complex Americano or Bitter Mai Tai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an "amer"?
The French equivalent of amaro — a bittersweet liqueur traditionally enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif.
What is Bigallet China-China a substitute for?
Amer Picon — China-China is the bartender's standard replacement in classic recipes calling for it (Brooklyn, Liberal).
What gives China-China its bitterness?
Gentian and cinchona bark (the quinine source), alongside bitter Curaçao orange peel and spices.
A 150-year-old French bitter, still made by the family — order Bigallet China-China Liqueur online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.