Fernet Branca 180th Anniversary Limited Edition

The Fernet-Branca 180th Anniversary Limited Edition is a collectible bottle release that celebrates 180 years of the Fratelli Branca Distillerie’s storied amaro tradition. The liquid inside is the same classic Fernet-Branca—bold herbal bitterness, mint, roots, spices—but wrapped in new, striking packaging designed to honor the past while pointing to the future. It’s as much about heritage and ritual as flavour.

Key Specs & Heritage

Flavor & Experience

While the recipe is unchanged, here’s a summary of what to expect when tasting Fernet-Branca (including the 180th anniversary edition):

• Strong herbal bitterness + complexity from many botanicals: herbs, roots, spices. 

• Prominent mint, maybe some eucalyptus / cooling menthol effects. 

• Bitter orange, rhubarb, possibly gentian, maybe chamomile or floral notes in certain parts of aroma/flavour. 

• The finish tends to be long and lingering, with herbal bitterness balanced by warmth, slight sweetness (from sugar or sugar-derived), resinous and rooty undercurrents. (These are typical for classic Fernet-Branca.) 

What Makes This Edition Special

• Design & Collectibility: The packaging (eagle logo, surreal-art style distillery imagery) is meant to stand out and celebrate heritage. For collectors, bartenders, and aficionados this bottle is “display-worthy.” 

• Cultural Moment: Branca sees an increasing interest among drinkers in “bitter & herbal” profiles and the ritual of Fernet (shots, digestifs, etc.), so this release taps into that moment.

• Limited Availability: Being limited to U.S. market & defined count (≈49,000 bottles) helps it feel special. 

• Same great Fernet-Branca taste that fans expect, so it doesn’t risk alienating traditionalists.

• Collectible packaging gives added value beyond the liquid.

• Good price for limited edition (if you value bottles, design, legacy).

Suggested Serving & Pairing

• Neat or as a digestif after meals, especially with rich, fatty foods.

• Classic pairing in cocktails: Fernet & Cola, or use in bitters or amaro-forward cocktails.

• Use to finish off cocktails that need herbal bitterness (e.g. in place of / alongside other amari).

The "Toronto" cocktail is a great way to experience Fernet-Branca. It features rye whiskey, Fernet-Branca, and a touch of simple syrup. Another popular choice is the "Hanky Panky", a sweet Martini variation with gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca.Here's a more detailed look at these two options:

Toronto Cocktail
Ingredients:
Rye whiskey, Fernet-Branca, simple syrup. 
Preparation:
Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with an orange peel. 
Flavor Profile:
The Toronto offers a strong, brown, and slightly sweet flavor with the bitter kick of Fernet-Branca. 
Note:
Some prefer to use Canadian rye whiskey for a more authentic Toronto experience. . .

Hanky Panky Cocktail
Ingredients:
Gin, sweet vermouth, Fernet-Branca, orange twist. 
Preparation:
Stir gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet-Branca with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with an orange twist. 
Flavor Profile:
The Hanky Panky is a sweet and herbal cocktail with the added complexity of Fernet-Branca. 
Note:
This cocktail is a sweet Martini riff, with Fernet-Branca adding a distinctive bitter edge.