Fred Jerbais Bitter

Fred Jerbis is a small-batch herbalist and maker based in Polcenigo, Friuli, founded by Federico “Fred” Cremasco. He works with botanicals he grows, forages locally, or sources nearby, then treats each one individually using multiple extraction techniques (hot maceration, cold maceration, steam distillation) to get just the right balance. His Bitter 34 is his take on the Italian bitter/aperitivo tradition: a spirit infused with 34 botanicals, naturally hued (no artificial color), and made with only about half the sugar level of many classic bitters like Campari.

Tasting Notes
On the nose there’s a vibrant interplay of herbal citrus: orange and lemon peel, chamomile, and soft florals. The palate balances bitterness with fruit and spice: gentian, wormwood, and bitter roots provide backbone, while citrus, herbal depth, and a faint sweetness keep it lively and approachable. The finish is soft and lingering, with citrus peel and gentle herbal resonance lingering past the first sip.

Serving Suggestion
Serve over ice with soda or tonic for a refreshing aperitivo, or swap in for Campari in cocktails like a Negroni or Americano to highlight its more nuanced herbal citrus character.