🥃 GranGala

GranGala is an Italian orange liqueur on aged brandy, 40% ABV. It is made by infusing three orange varieties, including Valencia, in brandy. The brand comes from the Stock house in Trieste, and since 2012 it has belonged to the American company Sazerac. Almost all sales are in the United States.

History. Difford's Guide writes that in 1884 Lionello Stock and his partner Carlo Camis began distilling brandy in Trieste. They wanted to fill a gap in the market that opened when phylloxera destroyed the vineyards of Cognac. Stock created the orange liqueur later; the sources do not give an exact year.

Owner. For more than three years Sazerac was the importer of GranGala in the United States, and in October 2012 Stock sold the brand to the company. According to Drinks International, about 98% of sales were in the US at that time. Difford's Guide now names Sazerac as both owner and producer.

What sets it apart. Most triple secs and curaçaos are made on neutral spirit with dried peels. GranGala is closer to Grand Marnier: its base is brandy, only Italian rather than Cognac. That is why it is often used instead of triple sec in the Margarita and other citrus cocktails. According to Difford's Guide, the 0.7 litre bottle is closed with a natural cork.

Why it matters to you. At 40% ABV the liqueur is stronger than its sweetness suggests, and in a cocktail it adds alcohol as well as flavour. Check the strength on the label. WHO reminds: there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.