# Spirited Botanical Beers Forbidden Root's 'Fernetic' is Made with Fernet-Branca Liquor By Joey Haar | Published 2017-02-07 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fernetic References: [eater](http://www.eater.com/drinks/2017/2/6/14516894/fernet-beer-forbidden-root) & [forbiddenroot](http://www.forbiddenroot.com/fernetic) Forbidden Root, a brewery based out of Chicago, has partnered with Fernet-Branca, the legendary Italian liquor, to release Fernetic. The new [botanical beer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kindred-spirits) combines the curiously attractive taste of the herbal digestif with the unique botanicals that Forbidden Root uses in its recipes. Fernet-Branca has been produced in Italy since the mid-19th century according to the same family recipe. Though its taste is unique and difficult to pin down, it has a higher ABV and lower sugar content than other digestifs in its class, giving it an intensely bitter flavor. The liquor's ingredients are mixed into Fernetic along with other botanicals like [rhubarb root](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mother-root-rhubarb), peppermint, saffron, [wormwood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wormwood-vodka), angelica, star anise, and more to create a notable imperial black ale. Forbidden Root describes Fernetic's flavor as "deep and brooding, with a strong aromatic character." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Botanical Beers:** Craft breweries are incorporating unique botanical ingredients into their beer recipes, creating new flavors and experiences. - **Collaborative Brewing:** Breweries are partnering with spirits brands to create innovative beer offerings that incorporate the distinct flavors of their liquors. - **Imperial Black Ales:** Imperial black ales are gaining popularity for their bold and complex flavors, attracting beer enthusiasts seeking a unique taste. ### Where This Applies - **Craft Brewing:** Craft breweries have the opportunity to experiment with botanical ingredients and collaborate with spirits brands to create innovative and distinctive beer offerings. - **Spirits and Liquor:** Spirits brands can explore partnerships with craft breweries to expand their product offerings and introduce their flavors to new audiences. - **Beer Enthusiast Community:** Beer enthusiasts can look forward to discovering new and exciting flavors through collaborations between breweries and spirits brands, especially in the realm of imperial black ales. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Alcohol-Free Botanical Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bittersweet-aperitivo.md) - [Aromatic Botanical Liqueurs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fontbonne-herbal-liqueur.md) - [Alcohol-Free Italian Aperitivo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wilderton-botanical-spirit.md) - [Noxious Plant-Infused Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/james-bay-distillers.md) - [Unconventional Botanical Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/symphony-6.md) - [Zero-Alcohol Botanical Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bittersweet-aperitivo1.md) - [Botanically Brewed Canned Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-proof-cocktails.md) - [Low-Alcohol Aperitivo Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/berry-bros-rudd-barrelaged-aperitivo.md) - [Richly Flavored Beer Brandys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beer-brandy.md)