Question 1

What is Picon?

Accepted Answer

Picon is an iconic French fresh tasting ruby-red liqueur, created by entrepreneur Gaetan Picon in 1837, combining zesty orange peels and flavorful plants (including Cinchona bark and dried Gentian roots).

VERSION FRANCE There are four variants in the Picon line-up: Picon Bière, the iconic choice for mixing with beer, also known as Picon à l’Orange in certain markets; Picon Club, the wine lover's go-to mix; and Picon Amer, the cocktail connoisseur's delight.

VERSION INTERNATIONAL There are two variants in the Picon line-up: Picon Bière, the iconic choice for mixing with beer, and Picon Amer, the cocktail connoisseur's delight.

Question 2

How do I pronounce Picon?

Accepted Answer

Pee-Kown

Question 3

Is Picon sustainable?

Accepted Answer

Picon, like other brands within the Campari Group portfolio, aligns and integrates with the Group's Sustainability agenda. In 2020, Campari Group formalized and disclosed its sustainability commitments in a roadmap, directing investments and efforts towards specific priorities in four key areas:
• Our People: Empowering diversity, equity, and inclusion through a dedicated framework.
• Our Responsible Practices: Raising awareness and educating key stakeholders, starting with Camparistas, bartenders, and consumers, about correct and responsible consumption. Also, emphasizing responsible communication of Campari Group products.
• The Environment: Prioritizing energy, water, and waste reduction and efficiency, aligning with the ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner.
• Community Projects: Committing to promote community projects, especially in the areas of education, culture, and work.
The Group's dedication to these areas demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.

Question 4

Is the Picon recipe vegan, vegetarian, halal, and/or kosher?

Accepted Answer

As a plant-based drink, Picon is a vegan and vegetarian drink. It is not halal nor kosher.

Question 5

Where to store your bottle of Picon?

Accepted Answer

Before opening, Picon should be kept at ambient temperature, away from light. Once opened, the product should be refrigerated for a longer conservation. For its perfect serve, both the Picon bottle and the glass should be cold for maximum refreshment when combined with the beer.

Question 6

What is Picon shelf life (best before date)? How long can I keep my bottle of Picon once opened?

Accepted Answer

As a liqueur, Picon does not have an expiration date. However, over time, it can lose taste quality. It is recommended to consume within 6 months following opening.

Question 7

Where are the ingredients for Picon sourced?

Accepted Answer

Picon ingredients are sourced in Europe, mainly in France and Italy.

Question 8

How is Picon produced?

Accepted Answer

Picon is a liqueur with a well-preserved and secret recipe. What can be revealed: It begins with the maceration of dried orange peels for 15 days in a hydro-alcoholic infusion. Then, during the subsequent distillation step, the heads and tails are removed to retain the most aromatic components. Concurrently, there's a maceration with dried roots of yellow Gentian and red Cinchona bark. Finally, a hint of caramel is added, resulting in a perfect balance between bitterness and sweetness. This combination is the key to Picon's unmatched allure.

Question 9

Who is the horseman represented on the bottle?

Accepted Answer

The horseman represented on the label is Gaétan Picon, the creator of the recipe and brand. In North Africa in the 1830s, he returned to France and officially launched the liqueur under his name in 1837. The label and its illustration pay tribute to this tale of adventure and travel, enduring as a symbol bridging the past and the present.

Question 10

When was Picon created and where?

Accepted Answer

Picon was officially created in 1837 in France by Gaétan Picon, even though its origins are older, and its roots extend beyond. Indeed, the concoction originated in Algeria, where Gaétan Picon, serving as an infantry horseman, applied his distillation to create the liqueur we now know as Picon. It was only upon his return in 1837 that he officially launched his liqueur and brand, simply naming them Picon.

Question 11

Who created Picon?

Accepted Answer

Gaétan Picon created Picon. Born in Italy in 1809, this French entrepreneur was destined for a life of adventure, travel, and distillation from the start. After apprenticing as a distiller in Marseille, Toulon, and Aix-en-Provence, he embarked on a journey to Algeria as an infantry horseman. It was there that he distilled the unique liqueur we now know. Upon his return to France in 1837, he officially established the brand, naming it simply Picon, which would become a true icon within a few years.

Question 12

Is Picon still used as medicine?

Accepted Answer

Picon has no medicinal benefits. It's a flavorful companion for your beer, wine, or cocktail—adding a dash of personality, a fresh tasting twist. Enjoy Picon responsibly.

Question 13

Is it ok to use Picon for cooking?

Accepted Answer

Like any spirit, Picon can be used for cooking. However, it is not the first use. To get the most out of the product, it is best served as an aperitif or cocktail.

Question 14

How much does a bottle of Picon cost?

Accepted Answer

The recommended retail price for Picon is 11€ in France, and 14€ in Belgium.
Campari does not interfere with its customers’ unrestricted freedom to set prices to end consumers at all times.

Question 15

Where is Picon available?

Accepted Answer

Picon is available in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland, with availability varying by region and country. It can be found in both on-trade and off-trade distribution channels, offering a versatile choice for consumers whether they prefer enjoying it in local joints or purchasing it for personal use. Picon can be spotted on the shelves of top bars worldwide due to its iconic reputation, earning bartenders' respect and admiration.

Question 16

What are the differences between Picon Bière, Picon à l’Orange, Picon Club and Picon Amer?

Accepted Answer

Picon Bière (also called Picon à l’Orange), Picon Club, and Picon Amer are different variants within the Picon range, each with its unique characteristics:

* Picon à l'Orange is only available in Belgium
** Picon Club is only available in France
*** Picon Amer can also be used with white wine as an uncomplicated aperitif like Picon Club but bitter and drier

Question 17

In what format is Picon available?

Accepted Answer

• Picon Bière, bottle of 1L and 1,5L
• Picon à l’Orange, bottle of 0,70L and 1L
• Picon Club, bottle of 1L (France only)
• Picon Amer, bottle of 0,70L and 1L

Question 18

What is the ABV in a Picon Bière the serve?

Accepted Answer

By following the recipe with 5cl of Picon Bière (or Picon à l’Orange) and 25cl of a premium lager beer at 5% ABV, the aperitif reaches an estimated 7.2% ABV.

Question 19

What is the ABV in Picon?

Accepted Answer

• 18% ABV for Picon Bière and Picon à l’Orange
• 18% ABV for Picon Club (France only)
• 21% ABV for Picon Amer

Question 20

What is Picon made of?

Accepted Answer

Picon is a liqueur with a well-preserved and secret recipe. It begins with the maceration of dried orange peels in neutral alcohol, followed by redistillation and infusion with botanical herbs such as Cinchona bark and dried Gentian roots. Finally, a hint of caramel is added, resulting in a perfect balance between bitterness and sweetness. This combination is the key to Picon's unmatched allure.

Question 21

Is there any merch available for fans yet?

Accepted Answer

Picon is a true love brand, fostering a genuine community of enthusiasts. Like any iconic brand that has stood the test of time, Picon has built itself around a merchandising culture – posters, coasters, chalkboards, or signs; Picon adorned local bars. This culture still thrives among the most passionate collectors, who continue to exchange the most collectable items of the brand. Today, Picon is introducing a fully ownable, branded crafted glass, designed for Picon, and Picon only, that will combine the functionality of a beer glass with the sophisticated design of a cocktail glass. Other Picon merchandise items will soon be available to consumers.

Question 22

Picon has launched a campaign in France and Belgium, what is it about?

Accepted Answer

"Du Picon, de la bière, et c'est tout !" (Picon. Beer. And that’s it). This campaign highlights the very essence of Picon—a zesty orange and plant fusion signature taste—stimulated by the fresh taste of the beer. Beyond the taste, it embodies a spirit of simplicity and camaraderie, where Picon is the undeniable and refreshing alternative for those who prefer an uncomplicated yet unique drinking experience. No fuss, just grab a glass, and a peanut or two, to accompany those bonding moments by the bar counter. That’s it.

Question 23

Why is Picon so famous in France and Belgium?

Accepted Answer

Picon has historically been a big hit in the North and East of France, as well as in Belgium, but it's the Picon Bière aperitif that steals the spotlight. These regions are beer strongholds, making it natural to find Picon Bière, a liqueur designed to perfectly mix with beer, with its zesty touch and refreshing taste, taking center stage on bar counters. Picon has made itself at home in these areas and beyond, becoming a true symbol of conviviality, perfect for all bonding moments.  It won’t be long until we see Picon enjoyed in other countries.

Question 24

How is Picon Bière different from a bitter beer?

Accepted Answer

When mixed with beer, Picon Bière distinguishes itself as an aperitif, creating a unique drinking experience that sets it apart from traditional beers. It has a dark brown color with a reddish hue and dense appearance. Its aroma is sweet and round, with caramel and citrus notes. These notes are also present in the taste of Picon Bière, making it pleasantly sweet and smoothly bitter.

Question 25

What makes Picon different from others bitter liqueurs on the market?

Accepted Answer

Picon sets itself apart with its unique taste, quality ingredients and pairing alliance with beer. Its blend of zesty orange peels, and flavorful plants, including Cinchona bark and dried Gentian roots enhanced by a touch of caramel creates a smooth and distinctive flavor that make it perfect to mix with beer which is unexpected for a bitter liqueur.

Question 26

What makes Picon special?

Accepted Answer

Picon is special, thanks to its distinctive, unmatched, and refreshing taste. It strikes the perfect balance between the bitterness of sun-dried oranges and plant extracts and the sweetness of caramel. Picon is perfect to mix with beer, as seen in the fresh tasting simple aperitif ‘Picon Bière’. This combination unveils Picon's essence — its zesty orange and plant fusion signature taste stimulated by the liveliness of the beer. The unmatched taste of Picon remains unrivaled by any other liqueur to date.

Question 27

Is Picon a new product?

Accepted Answer

No, Picon is not a new product. Picon is an iconic French liqueur created by entrepreneur Gaetan Picon in 1837. The history of Picon is rooted in French culture, as seen by its numerous appearances in posters or references in cinema and songs since it was first created.

Question 28

When and where should I drink Picon?

Accepted Answer

At a regular café, a local bar, the new spot to be or at home—Picon is the ideal aperitif. Find it almost anywhere. Everywhere. Simply. Feel free. Just grab a glass, and a peanut or two, and there it is. Clear the noise, or crank it up louder, venture off the path or stay on course but always do so with your friends, your mates, your regulars. Picon adds a French touch to your aperitif moments.

Question 29

What is Picon’s perfect serve?

Accepted Answer

Picon’s perfect serve is ‘Picon Bière’ - Simply pour 5cl of Picon in a cold glass, fill it with 25cl of a cold draught beer (lager works well, but any beer will do the trick) and allow a creamy foam to be formed. Squeeze a lemon peel on top of the drink to release essentials oils. Both the Picon bottle and the glass should be cold when combined with the beer. And that’s it. Perfect.

Question 30

What is a Picon Bière, the serve?

Accepted Answer

Picon Bière is a fresh tasting simple aperitif made of Picon, an iconic French liqueur, and beer, standing out in a world of extravagant and eye-catching concoctions. You can't miss Picon Bière in the North and East of France or in Belgium, where it has become a staple at both bars and friend gatherings. However, Picon is widely recognized and cherished by bartenders worldwide.

Question 31

What is the difference between Picon Bière the bottle and Picon Bière the serve?

Accepted Answer

Picon Bière "the bottle" is the iconic French ruby-red liqueur, crafted by entrepreneur Gaetan Picon in 1837, blending zesty orange peels and flavorful plants. Picon Bière "the serve" is the iconic aperitif, made by combining Picon Bière the liqueur with beer, following our perfect serve recommendations for a unique drinking experience that sets it apart from traditional beers.

Question 32

How can I drink Picon?

Accepted Answer

Picon is perfect for mixing with beer, hence the popular Picon Bière aperitif. Picon is not a fussy drink, so just grab your glass, a few peanuts, and enjoy the moment with your closest ones.

Question 33

What does Picon taste like?

Accepted Answer

Picon is a fresh tasting ruby-red liqueur. With a touch of fresh and zesty orange peels to the nose, the taste offers a smooth, velvety orange flavor enhanced by the aroma of caramel and the herbal tones of botanicals. Each variant in the Picon line-up adds a unique twist to the original taste.

Question 34

How do I pronounce Picon?

Accepted Answer

Pee-Kown

FAQ

Most Asked Questions

Who created Picon?

What is Picon made of?

What makes Picon special?

Is Picon a new product?

When and where should I drink Picon?

How can I drink Picon?

How do I pronounce Picon?