Kumquat Liqueur, 'Oro y Fierro'

• Kumquat liqueur produced by Brucato in San Francisco, California
• Botanicals include California-sourced Nagami kumquats and California naval orange peels
• Base spirit of unaged grape brandy distilled in Sebastopol, California
• Peak-season Nagami kumquats are sliced and dried in-house
• Kumquats and dried orange peels are combined with brandy and cold-macerated in stainless steel for approximately two weeks
• The final infusion rests in stainless steel for approximately 6 weeks before it is sweetened with cane sugar and brought to proof
• Freshly cut kumquats, orange peel, and Orangina soda on the nose lead to a palate of fresh orange juice, marmalade, and Perle de Sole orange drop candies
• No added coloring
• 40% ABV

A refreshing take on a traditional orange liqueur, Oro y Fierro Kumquat is made with Nagami kumquats. These little beauties are native to China and were introduced to California in the 1880s, where they were originally grown as ornamental trees before finally gaining culinary popularity in the 1960s. With a sweet rind and tart flesh, these tiny citrus fruits are often eaten whole for a jolt of sweet & sour perfection. Cocktail applications abound but try this liqueur first in a Margarita or added to a Garibaldi.

Tasting Notes

Driven to create a citrus liqueur that could play an essential role in classic cocktails without rehashing old territory, Sierra and James Clark were drawn to Nagami kumquats, the peppy citrus staple of California’s—especially northern San Diego’s—agricultural scene.

Brucato has subsequently created two kumquat liqueurs—one focused solely on kumquat’s sweet/tart character and one combining kumquat with a hit of chili spice. These are bottled under the new Oro y Fierro marque to distinguish them from Brucato’s flagship amari. The labels take their inspiration from vintage sardine tins—a nod to the Monteray Bay Aquarium, founded by Sierra’s parents and housed in an old sardine factory. The name is borrowed from San Francisco’s official motto, “Oro en Paz, Fierro en Guerra” (“Gold in Peace, Iron in War”), to highlight the contrasts inherent in these playful yet versatile new liqueurs.