Note: Like all the spirits I review this was tasted at room temperature for maximum taste and detection of any faults if any in a product. If you chill benzene cold enough you could drink that too (NOT RECOMMENDED !), which is why I try them at room temperature.

In business since 1755, Marie Brizard has a long tradition of excellence and a commitment to use NATURAL products in making its liqueurs-unlike many of the cheaper knock off liqueurs which use synthetic ingredients and chemicals. This is particular Orange Liqueur made from bitter oranges from Haiti,sweeter Andulusian oranges from Spain and blended with older cognac than their regular Curacao hence the “Grand” Orange appelation.This is a analog or similar product to Grand Marnier or Cointreau in terms of drinks.

First Impression: Wonderful full deep smell of the orange blend and some floral/perfume notes of orange blossom, with a cognac notes tiptoeing around the edges.

Appearance: Clear as a a lacquer, good Baltic amber, bronze/oak in appearance, thick bodied. On swirling, leaves a oily even coat on the glass with few legs developing.

Taste: Thick, orange and floral candy with a dryish slightly bitter finish but sweeter than the curacao. The blend of oranges and older cognac play well together- a longish finish with almost no alcohol presence, just a mild warming.

Drinks: We tried it in some of the usual drinks. Amazing what difference it can make in a drink. The margaritas were taken to a totally different level and all the rum drinks were so much better.

Bottle: Signature Marie Brizard bottle- thin neck to flared shoulder to cylindrical body with slightly smaller base below belt line. Signature MB in script on top of cap.

Other: Maker of a large portfolio of other liqueurs, among them: Amaretto, Anisette, Apry, Banana, Cassis, Creme de Cacao (White), Creme de Cacao (Brown), Curacao, Curacao (Blue), Creme de Menthe, Creme de Menthe (Green), Raspberry, Strawberry, Triple Sec, and many others that are not imported into the U.S. (much to our loss).

Final Thoughts: A different spin on the usual Gran Marnier or Cointreau flavor profiles. Less sugar but a bit more syrup and orange. Interesting enough to recommend having a bottle on hand to play with; competitive or cheaper than the above in price.

Website: http://www.mariebrizard.com orhttp://www.boissetamerica.com/products/BrandDetails.aspx?BrnId=7

Quick loading webpage with attractive graphics, drinks recipes, and information.