Violets, Viola Odorata for the botanists among us, are native to Europe, Asia and North Africa, and are known for their medicinal properties and benefits. But in the language of flowers, they symbolize shy and secret love. In 1885, Emile Giffard, a renowned pharmacist in Angers, established his distillery based on delicate and precise infusions of local plants and fruits. His knowledge and techniques have been passed down and refined over five generations. Their Crème de Violette is made from an infusion of violet petals and the steam distillation of violet leaves. At 16%abv, it delivers the pure essence of violet for classic cocktails like an Aviation or Blue Moon but can also be added judiciously to pretty much any gin or mezcal cocktail to enhance both its flavor and appearance.