Paragon Rue Berry Single Botanical Cordial

Product of: France

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Flavoured with Rue Berries hand-picked from the tropical shrub growing in Ethiopia's Basheto high plateau, this is one of three single botanical cordials released under Paragon's "Pepper Collection" in October 2019 by Monin in partnership with internationally renowned bartender Alex Kratena.

Brix 55°

"Rue comes from the Ruta chalepensis plant, grown in tropical Africa and, more specifically, in Ethiopia where it's used as a herb or medicinal plant. The foliage has a powerful aromatic and sweet scent, while the berries have a stronger and spicier taste. Kuti, an infusion using coffee leaves, is traditionally flavoured with fresh Ruta
Chalepensis leaves, and some local cheeses are made using these leaves to add flavour to the milk. The berries are used in the renowned Ethiopian berbere blend of spices.

"Paragon seeks to protect and promote rare botanical varieties from remote areas around the world, highlighting unknown aromatic essences and making them available for those who appreciate exceptional flavours for use in cocktails.

"Created as a series of "botanical chapters" which will become an encyclopedic collection of ingredients for bartenders, the first chapter focuses on pepper and pepper berries."

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 30/09/2019

Appearance:

Clear, very pale straw gold.

Aroma:

Passion fruit, jasmine blossom and hay (as promised on the label). Clean and fresh.

Taste:

Passion fruit with zesty citrus, jasmine and tart acidity.

Aftertaste:

Acidic passion fruit with lingering floral notes.

Overall:

Floral and fruity with strong and clean aromas and flavours of passion fruit and jasmine. Intended as a cocktail ingredient and sampled diluted with water. Beware of the very high (pH 1.7) level of acidity in this cordial.