Marie Brizard Creme de Cassis de Dijon 750ML

Marie Brizard Creme de Cassis de Dijon 750ML is a French blackcurrant liqueur bottled at 20% ABV (40 proof) in a 750ml format. Awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast, this expression stands out for its concentrated dark berry character and full-bodied palate built from carefully selected blackcurrant berries.

Quick Facts: ABV: 20%  |  Origin: France  |  Style: Blackcurrant Liqueur  |  Producer: Marie Brizard et Roger International

Production & Heritage

Marie Brizard et Roger International traces its roots to 1755, making it one of the oldest liqueur houses in France. Now headquartered in Ivry-sur-Seine, the company has built its reputation on fruit-driven liqueurs produced through traditional maceration and infusion techniques. For this Cassis de Dijon expression, the production team strictly selects the finest blackcurrant berries, which undergo a careful infusion process. The final blend combines blackcurrant infusion with concentrated blackcurrant juice, resulting in a liqueur that prioritizes natural fruit intensity over artificial shortcuts — a distinction that separates it from many lower-shelf competitors.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with an unmistakable wave of ripe blackcurrants and dark berries, slightly sharp in character. Beneath the fruit, earthy undertones emerge — reminiscent of grape stems and stony soil — adding unexpected complexity to what could otherwise be a one-note profile.

Taste: The entry is sweet and immediate, coating the palate with concentrated blackcurrant flavor. At mid-palate, the body fills out considerably, revealing layers of dark port-like richness, cherries in syrup, and raspberry jam. A thread of natural acidity keeps the sweetness in check and prevents the liqueur from becoming cloying.

Finish: The finish is smooth and moderately lingering, with the blackcurrant bud character reasserting itself. A subtle acidic brightness carries through the close, leaving the palate clean and balanced.

How to Drink Cassis de Dijon

Sipped neat as a digestif, the liqueur's full body and port-like depth reward slow, deliberate tasting — try it lightly chilled in a small cordial glass. Its natural affinity for sparkling wine, citrus, and bitter components makes it a versatile cocktail ingredient.

• Kir Royale: The classic pairing — a measure of cassis topped with Champagne or dry sparkling wine highlights the liqueur's berry concentration against crisp bubbles.
• Bramble: The blackcurrant intensity adds authentic depth when floated over gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, replacing generic blackberry liqueurs with real complexity.
• El Diablo: Combined with tequila, lime, and ginger beer, the cassis provides a dark fruit backbone that balances the cocktail's spice and heat.

Best For

• Hosting a Champagne-focused brunch where Kir Royales anchor the drinks menu
• Stocking a home bar with versatile, high-quality cocktail modifiers
• Gifting a francophile who appreciates traditional French liqueurs
• Exploring fruit liqueurs beyond triple sec and maraschino

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cassis de Dijon taste like? Marie Brizard Cassis de Dijon delivers a sweet, intensely concentrated blackcurrant flavor supported by port-like richness, cherry-syrup depth, and a balancing thread of natural acidity. Earthy undertones add complexity beyond straightforward fruit sweetness.

How does Marie Brizard Cassis compare to DeKuyper Creme de Cassis? Marie Brizard uses strictly selected blackcurrant berries and a careful infusion process, producing noticeably greater concentration and complexity than DeKuyper's more budget-oriented expression. The difference in fruit quality and production method is widely recognized, with Marie Brizard earning 92 points from Wine Enthusiast while occupying a higher price tier.

Is Cassis de Dijon good for cocktails? It is one of the most effective cassis liqueurs for cocktails, particularly the Kir Royale, where its concentrated blackcurrant character stands up to dry sparkling wine without disappearing. Its natural acidity also makes it well-suited for citrus-forward drinks like the Bramble.

Where is Cassis de Dijon made? Marie Brizard Creme de Cassis de Dijon is produced in France by Marie Brizard et Roger International, a liqueur house founded in 1755 and currently headquartered in Ivry-sur-Seine. The "de Dijon" designation references the Burgundy city historically associated with France's finest blackcurrant liqueurs.

What foods pair well with Cassis de Dijon? Dark chocolate truffles complement the liqueur's berry richness and earthy depth. Creamy cheeses like brie or camembert contrast the acidity and fruit sweetness. Fresh berry tarts echo the blackcurrant profile. Duck or pork dishes with fruit-based sauces create savory-sweet harmony. Vanilla panna cotta provides a neutral backdrop that lets the cassis flavor shine.

What sizes does Cassis de Dijon come in? The standard widely available format is the 750ml bottle.

Is Cassis de Dijon worth the price? Marie Brizard Cassis de Dijon positions as a premium blackcurrant liqueur, priced above mass-market alternatives like DeKuyper but well below artisanal small-batch producers. Its 92-point Wine Enthusiast rating and noticeably superior fruit concentration make it a strong value within its category.

Why Cassis de Dijon?

A 92-point score from Wine Enthusiast places this among the highest-rated cassis liqueurs commercially available. The strict berry selection and traditional infusion method employed by Marie Brizard — a house with nearly 270 years of liqueur-making experience — translate directly into a product that tastes demonstrably richer and more layered than its mass-market competitors. The natural acidity and full body give it equal footing as a standalone digestif and as a cocktail component, a versatility not every fruit liqueur achieves. For anyone building a serious bar or simply wanting an authentic Kir Royale, this is the benchmark cassis at its price point.