Bigallet Thym Liqueur
Bigallet Thym Liqueur is a French herbal liqueur bottled at 35% ABV (70 proof), made by the slow maceration and distillation of dried thyme sprigs (Thymus vulgaris) at the Bigallet distillery in Virieu, at the foot of the French Alps. Warm, savory and gently sweet, it is a classic alpine digestif and one of the most versatile herbal modifiers a cocktail bar can hold. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 35% (70 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Botanical: dried thyme sprigs, macerated and distilled
- Origin: Bigallet distillery, Virieu, France — family-run since 1872
- Style: unaged herbal liqueur
An Alpine Distillery's Thyme Signature
Felix Bigallet founded the company in Lyon in 1872 and moved it in 1885 to Virieu, the tiny village at the foot of the Rhone Alps where the Bigallet family originated — building the distillery by the small railroad station to shorten the haul for sugar and botanicals. Five generations later, family members still operate the distillery, producing alpine spirits from the region's herbs. Thym is their thyme expression: savory and sun-warmed, recalling the hillsides of Provence, and considered the gold standard of thyme liqueurs. Browse the Bigallet collection, more herbal liqueurs, and Del Mesa's cocktail essentials.
Tasting Notes
Clear gold with green-yellow highlights. The aroma is invigorating — camphor, lemon and dry herbs. On the palate it is warm and savory, spicy-herbal yet silky, pleasantly sweet with fresh thyme up front and a long finish of piney, resinous freshness.
How to Enjoy
As a digestif, chilled or on ice. A little goes a long way: it transforms a gin sour, adds a savory edge to a Bee's Knees riff with honey, or lifts a thyme lemonade with vodka. Stir a spoonful into hot water as an herbal tisane, or pour over vanilla ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does thyme liqueur taste like?
Fresh, savory thyme with camphor and lemon aromatics, gentle sweetness and a piney, resinous finish — herbal rather than sugary.
Is Bigallet Thym sweet?
Only moderately — it is warm and pleasantly sweet, but the thyme's savory, spicy character leads.
How do you use Bigallet Thym in cocktails?
Like violette or absinthe, in small dashes: it works with gin, rum, vodka and sparkling wine, adding savory herbal depth.
For the herb lover's bar cart — order Bigallet Thym Liqueur online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.