"The first time I came across the damassine was at my uncle's house in the Jura, at Christmas. I remember how proud he was to offer my dad a glass of "real Damassine liqueur from Ajoie". The fragrance filled the whole room and it was quite pleasant; a fine, perfumed smell of fruit. As I grew up, I had the chance to taste it. It was a bit strong to begin with, but today, when I go back to the Jura, I love to drink another glass of this exotic liqueur after a good meal."
Mireille, a Lausanne resident for 25 years
Info
The damassine is a small red prune used to produce a liqueur with a renowned aroma and subtlety. The origin of the damassine has been lost through the ages, but legend has it that knights brought it back from the Crusades in their bags. Or it might have been a priest from Charmoille who journeyed to Palestine in 1145. What is known for certain is that the name "damassine" refers to the capital of Syria, Damascus. The original and natural growing area of the damassine is the canton of Jura, particularly Ajoie. This region's limestone soil and climate allow the fruit to develop its quintessential aromas better than anywhere else.
Good to know
Interprofession de la Damassine
Grangette 123
2906 Chevenez
T. +41 (0) 32 476 61 10
www.damassine.org
