Izarra Yellow Liqueur
Izarra Yellow Liqueur is an 80-proof (40% ABV) 700mL French herbal liqueur made in the Basque Country by Groupe Vedrenne — a distillate of plants and spices plus two macerations, heated in a copper still, then blended with Armagnac per the original recipe. The Yellow (Jaune) expression finishes its blend with Basque honey for a softer, rounder character than its green sibling. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 700mL
- Style: Basque herbal liqueur — plant distillate + Armagnac
- Origin: Basque Country, France (Groupe Vedrenne)
- Production: plant-and-spice distillate; two macerations (prunes, walnut husks); copper still; blended with Armagnac; Basque honey in the Jaune
The Star of the Basque Country
"Izarra" means "star" in Basque, and the brand has burned bright since 1906, when botanist and pharmacist Joseph Grattau created it in Hendaye. The recipe reads like an apothecary's notebook: a distillate of plants and spices, two macerations of prunes and walnut husks, heat applied in a copper still with only the heart retained — then blended with Armagnac exactly as Grattau wrote it. The Yellow variant adds Basque honey from a local beekeeper, softening the herbal intensity into something round and golden. The US importer is Preiss Imports, and the Yellow earned 95 points from Wine Enthusiast in 2024. See the Vedrenne collection, more liqueurs, and Del Mesa's brandy and Armagnac shelf.
Tasting Notes
Aromatic herbs and honeyed spice on the nose; a smooth, rounded palate of botanical sweetness, dried fruit, and warm Armagnac depth; a gentle, honeyed finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat as a digestif, over ice with a lemon twist, or in place of yellow Chartreuse-style liqueurs in classic herbal cocktails. A spoonful over vanilla ice cream is a quiet revelation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Izarra Yellow made from?
A distillate of plants and spices plus two macerations (prunes and walnut husks), heated in a copper still and blended with Armagnac — the Yellow expression adds Basque honey.
What does "Izarra" mean?
"Star" in the Basque language. The brand was created in 1906 in Hendaye, in the French Basque Country.
What proof is Izarra Yellow?
40% ABV (80 proof), in the standard 700mL bottle.
Basque gold in a bottle — order Izarra Yellow Liqueur online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.