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Ferro China Baliva

Baliva Ferro China Liqueur

Difford's Guide
Discerning Drinkers (7 ratings)

alc./vol: 21%

Proof: 42°

Vintage: Non-vintage

Aged: No age statement

Product of: Product of Italy Italy

The recipe for this herbal tonic quinine liqueur dates back to 1894 and was formulated by a Doctor Ernesto Baliva in Rome, Italy. It is less bitter and more approachable than many other 'china' (quinine) liqueurs and is made distinctive by iron citrate which adds delicious citrus notes.

'Ferro' would suggest that this liqueur will put iron, if not lead, in your pencil, and indeed this is a reference to its iron citrate content.

'China' is a contraction of Chinchona Chinchon, referring to extracts of bark from the cinchona tree, better known as quinquina or quinine.

Review and Tasting


Sampled on 14/01/2025

Appearance:

Clear but opaque, deep brown with a tinge of burgundy.

Aroma:

Herbal mocha coffee, roasted horse chestnut, vanilla and delicate spice.

Taste:

Vanilla, creamy mocha coffee, lightly bitter bark and delicate complex spice.

Aftertaste:

Long herbal, chocolaty, creamy and delicately spicy finish.

Baliva Ferro China says...

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Showing 4 of 4 comment(s) for Ferro China Baliva

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  1. 5 weeks ago
    when I was a child and when I got sick my parents always gave me a shot of Ferro China. They also gave it to me because i was anemic. I am looking for it but cannot find it. Can you help me and what is the cost of a bottle?
    1. Simon Difford's AvatarSimon Difford
      5 weeks ago
      We can sell you a 20cl bottle for £11.75 if you are in the UK. We don't ship outside the UK.
  2. Patrick Valentino's AvatarPatrick Valentino
    1 year ago
    What is a good sub for this one?
  3. 3 years ago
    We’ve been curious about this stuff for ages, and my husband (who manages a spirits shop) was finally able to get it in stock. He describes its flavor as resembling “a dirty penny.” But in a good way. It’s weird but very interesting.
  4. Jason Edward CLAPHAM's AvatarJason Edward CLAPHAM
    4 years ago
    This is a good, distinctive amaro, but there's a rusty after taste that I'm finding it hard to cope with.

Update information/image

More about Ferro China Baliva

Produced by: Pallini S.p.A.

Pallini S.p.A.

Status: Operational
Established: 1875
Visitor Policy: Not generally accessible
Tel: +39 06 4190344
Website: Pallini S.p.A.
Address: Via Tiburtina, 1314, Rome, 00131