G.E. Massenez Ox & Roses Peach, Rose & Cognac Liqueur 750ml

Distillerie Massenez is one of Alsace’s best-known producers of eaux-de-vie and fruit liqueurs. It was founded in 1870 in Dieffenbach-au-Val by Jean-Baptiste Massenez, a home distiller, and in 1913 his son Eugène distilled wild raspberry for the first time. The eau-de-vie was so well liked that it reached the Queen of Sweden, and the distillery became an official supplier to the court of the King of Sweden.

Ox & Roses is from the distillery’s Private Collection, a limited series that pays homage to the Chinese Zodiac: twelve liqueurs, each illustrating one animal, inspired by the distillers’ travels. This bottle is for the Year of the Ox, “a sign with Yin polarity and Earth element, animated by a feminine energy,” whose protective colors are blue and red and whose favored flowers are the rose and the peach blossom. The liqueur is a French name pun that works in English too: “Le Buffle et la Rose,” the Ox and the Rose.

The recipe combines peach, rose, and Cognac: a blend of infusions of peach and rose blossom, supported by young Cognac. It has a gold color that comes “exclusively from the natural color of the peach and Cognac infusions.” The producer’s notes describe a nose where “from the very first sniff, a whole world of great delicacy takes shape, where the very floral scent of the rose and the very fruity scent of the peach fade into a more full-bodied and spellbinding finish,” and a palate where “this blend of rose blossom and peach fruit gives way to the power of the Cognac on the finish.” In the producer’s words, it “combines in an exceptional way elegance and power,” all the promise of “the Ox and the Rose.”

It’s a floral, fruity, brandy-backed liqueur with real structure behind the perfume, and not a simple sweet cordial. Serve it well chilled on its own as an aperitif or digestif, over ice, or topped with sparkling wine or Champagne for a floral spritz. It’s a collectible, limited bottle with a clear story, and a good gift for liqueur lovers and Lunar New Year celebrations.

Origins & Craftsmanship

G.E. Massenez Ox & Roses is produced by Distillerie Massenez in Dieffenbach-au-Val, Alsace, France (founded 1870), as part of its limited-edition Private Collection honoring the Chinese Zodiac. It is a liqueur of infusions of peach and rose blossom with young Cognac, with a gold color from the natural color of the peach and Cognac infusions. About 25% ABV (per the producer’s listing), 750ml.

Critics Reviews

No critic scores are published for this liqueur.

Distillerie Massenez (producer tasting notes):
“Aspect: The Ox & Roses liqueur has a gold coloring which comes exclusively from the natural color of the Peach and Cognac infusions. Nose: From the very first sniff, a whole world of great delicacy takes shape, where the very floral scent of the Rose and the very fruity scent of the Peach fade into a more full-bodied and spellbinding finish. Palate: This blend of rose blossom and peach fruit gives way to the power of the Cognac on the finish.”

Tasting Profile

Nose
Gold. Rose blossom and ripe peach, with delicate floral and fruity layers, and a fuller, spellbinding finish.

Palate
Rose petal, peach fruit, and peach blossom, with a creamy, honeyed warmth.

Finish
Full-bodied, with the power of young Cognac.

Quick Overview

Cocktail & Serving Suggestions

Chilled on its own — as an aperitif or digestif, or over ice.

Sparkling spritz — topped with Champagne, Crémant, or Prosecco.

French 75 twist — a splash in a gin or Cognac French 75.

With tonic — a floral, low-proof long drink.

Food Pairings

• Fresh peaches, berries, and fruit tarts
• Almond pastries and macarons
• Fresh goat cheese
• Foie gras and light dessert courses