Introduction

Etter Apricot (Etter Aprikose) is a premium fruit brandy, specifically an eau de vie, from Switzerland. The Etter family has a long winemaking and distilling heritage in the Zug region, where Paul Etter founded the commercial distillery in 1870. Currently managed by the fourth generation, the distillery is recognized as one of Europe's most traditional yet modern specialty producers. While the company was synonymous only with cherry brandy (kirsch) until 1981, it has since expanded to include a high-quality range of fruit distillates, including this apricot expression.

Spirit Description

This fruit brandy is distilled from 100% Swiss fruit, specifically utilizing the highly aromatic Royal Luizet apricots from the Wallis region. Following distillation, the spirit is matured for several years in glass demijohns, a process essential for revealing its depth and richness before bottling.

• Colour: The spirit is crystal clear and colorless, a hallmark of unaged fruit distillates.

• Aroma: The nose features full-bodied, sun-kissed aromas that are described as both delightful and refreshing.

• Palate: It offers a rich, smooth, and pleasant taste with a lovely texture that faithfully represents the aromatic profile of fresh apricots.

• Body: The spirit is characterized by a sophisticated and well-integrated sweetness, maintaining a clean and robust fruit-forward body.

• Finish: It concludes with an impressive, unique, and complex length.

• ABV: This fruit brandy is typically bottled at 42% (84 proof). (Note: A lighter liqueur version also exists at 15% ABV).

Accolades

Etter's fruit brandies are highly regarded in international competitions, with the distillery frequently earning top honors for its craftsmanship.

• Gold Medal: Awarded to Etter Apricot (42% vol.) at the DistiSuisse 2019/2020 competition.

• Distiller of the Year: The Etter Söhne AG facility was named Distiller of the Year for 2023/2024 by DistiSuisse.

• Quality Recognition: The brand is consistently praised for producing spirits 'by connoisseurs for connoisseurs'.

Food Pairing

The intense fruitiness and clean acidity of this apricot brandy make it a versatile partner for both sweet and savory dishes.

• Savoury: It pairs harmoniously with cured meats such as prosciutto or salami and complements rich appetizers like foie gras.

• Cheese: The brandy is an excellent match for creamy or tangy cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, and sharp cheddar.

• Dessert: It enhances fruit-based desserts, particularly those featuring fresh apricots or jams, and pairs well with almond-based pastries like marzipan or almond cake.

• Serving: Traditionally served as a digestif after a meal, it can also be enjoyed before dinner as an aperitif to stimulate the appetite. For the best expression of its fruit aromas, it should be served at room temperature in a tulip-shaped glass.