Certainly! Here’s the English translation of your detailed introduction to Lejay Crème de Cassis de Dijon — presented in a professional tone suitable for marketing, training, or brand communications:
🍇 Introduction to Lejay Crème de Cassis de Dijon
1. Origin & History
Lejay-Lagoute was founded in 1841 in Dijon, Burgundy, and is credited with creating the original Crème de Cassis recipe — a signature French blackcurrant liqueur.
Lejay is one of only four producers legally allowed to use the label “Cassis de Dijon“, protected by EU Geographical Indication (PGI) status.
2. Ingredients & Production Process
- Blackcurrant Varieties:
- 55% Noir de Bourgogne – intensely aromatic, local to Burgundy.
- 45% Black Down – softer, less acidic.
- Infusion from blackcurrant buds adds a unique herbal depth.
- Process:
- Maceration at room temperature for 8–10 weeks.
- The unfiltered natural juice is then blended with sugar and the bud infusion, creating a well-balanced, rich flavor profile.
3. Tasting Profile
Attribute | Description |
---|---|
Alcohol | Approx. 18% ABV (~36° proof) |
Color | Deep, opaque ruby red |
Aroma | Fresh blackcurrant, cassis jam, hints of cherry and plum |
Taste | Smooth, concentrated; mildly tart upfront, with a jammy and creamy mouthfeel |
Finish | Long-lasting, with notes of cassis preserve and a lightly dry close |
4. Serving Suggestions & Signature Cocktails
🍸 Classics:
- Kir – Mix Crème de Cassis with dry white wine (e.g., Aligoté or Riesling) in a 1:4 ratio.
- Kir Royale – Replace white wine with Champagne or Crémant de Bourgogne for a more elegant experience.
🧪 Modern Twists:
- El Diablo – Tequila + Lejay + ginger beer
- Cassis & Whisky – Add depth to whisky with a splash of cassis
- Cassis Beer – Blackcurrant notes pair surprisingly well with lager or wheat beer
5. Why Choose Lejay?
- The original Crème de Cassis, pioneering the category since 1841.
- Uses authentic Burgundy blackcurrants, with Lejay purchasing around 10% of France’s total cassis harvest to ensure premium quality.
- Recognized as an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) – a French government label awarded to heritage companies for craftsmanship and tradition.
✅ Quick Summary
Lejay Crème de Cassis de Dijon is a top-tier blackcurrant liqueur from Dijon – the birthplace of this iconic French drink. With its velvety texture, jammy richness, and well-balanced sweet-tart profile, Lejay is perfect for:
- Enjoying neat or on the rocks
- Classic cocktails like Kir and Kir Royale
- Creative mixing in modern cocktails with whisky, beer, or soda
🍹 Recommended Serving Ideas
Method | Details |
---|---|
Chilled / On the rocks | Enjoy pure to appreciate its full flavor |
Kir | 1 part Cassis to 4 parts dry white wine |
Kir Royale | Mix with sparkling wine or Champagne for a festive touch |
Creative Pairings | Try with light whisky or lager for a modern twist |