10 questions you may have about génépi (and our answers)

1. What is génépi?

Genepi is above all an alpine plant from the mugwort family, which grows naturally at altitude, between 2,000 and 3,000 meters. It is also known in the form of a traditional liqueur , emblematic of the Alps.

At Guillaumette , we cultivate it and transform it into artisanal liqueur in the Hautes-Alpes. We use exclusively yellow genepi (Artemisia mutellina) , renowned for its aromatic balance and roundness in the mouth.

2. Where does genepi grow?

Genepi is a solitary plant : it grows in isolation, in rocky crevices or stony areas, where few other plants survive. It hates competition, which is precisely why it is found in these harsh, mineral environments.

It is mainly observed between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level , in the Alps, where the extreme climatic conditions (wind, cold, snow, intense sunshine) give it its strength and unique aromas.

At Guillaumette , we have chosen to cultivate it at an altitude of 2,100 meters , in Orcières-Merlette. This choice allows us to preserve the Alpine massifs by avoiding wild picking, and to guarantee consistent quality for our liqueurs.

3. What are the main varieties?

Genepi belongs to the vast family of mugworts ( Artemisia ), which includes more than 400 species worldwide. Of these, only five varieties of genepi grow in the high mountains of the Alps.

But two main varieties stand out in the Alpine tradition:

• Yellow genepi ( Artemisia mutellina ): the most widespread, recognizable by its pale green stems adorned with small yellow flowers. It offers balanced, sweet and floral aromas , with a slight spicy note.

• Black genepi ( Artemisia genipi ): rarer and more demanding, it grows higher in altitude. Its purple stems bear few flowers, but it gives off powerful and intense aromas , sought after by connoisseurs.

At Guillaumette , we have chosen to cultivate exclusively organic yellow genepi , for its unique aromatic balance and its perfect adaptation to our artisanal methods.

4. Why is genepi protected?

Because it grows slowly and is rare, genepi is a protected species . Its wild harvest is subject to strict quotas and is sometimes prohibited in certain national parks.

It is to preserve this precious plant that we have chosen to control the entire production chain : from the harvesting of wild seeds , to sowing , including planting, maintenance and manual harvesting.

Thanks to this sustainable cultivation, we offer organic génépi sprigs , grown without chemicals, while respecting the alpine environment.

5. Does genepi have any benefits?

Historically, genepi has long been used as a herbal tea by mountain dwellers, who attributed digestive, tonic, and even stimulating properties to it. It was considered a natural remedy for fatigue and altitude sickness.

⚠️ Important: However, it is important to note that no therapeutic virtues can be promoted regarding alcoholic beverages. Therefore, if you are looking to reproduce these beneficial effects, we recommend that you order our organic génépi sprigs in order to make infusions or herbal teas.

6. How is génépi liqueur made?

Two techniques exist: maceration and distillation .

At Guillaumette , we have chosen maceration because it is the historical recipe for génépi , as practiced by our ancestors. The sprigs of organic yellow génépi are immersed for several weeks in alcohol, until all their aromatic nuances are expressed.

This gentle method preserves the natural color and complex flavors of the plant, while obtaining a balanced liqueur, neither too sweet nor too bitter.

7. How to enjoy génépi?

Traditionally, génépi is enjoyed neat or slightly chilled , as a digestif. But today, it is also served as an aperitif, in a cocktail or on ice .

At Guillaumette , we offer two expressions:

• Authentic Génépi , round and generous, perfect for pure tasting.

• Génépi Dry , drier, with a marked vegetal intensity, ideal for pure tasting but also for cocktails or modern dishes.

👉 So can we consume our frosted génépi?

Yes, of course! Genepi is best consumed however you like it . Although we recommend enjoying it at room temperature (or slightly chilled), many people enjoy drinking it straight from the freezer for its refreshing summer flavor.

8. What is its natural color?

A good génépi, without any additions, has a yellow color slightly tinged with green , even amber.

However, in many supermarkets, you can find artificially colored fluorescent green genepis. This color is not natural: it is generally due to the addition of colorings .

At Guillaumette , we don't cheat: our liqueurs are 100% natural and get their unique color from the maceration of organic génépi sprigs.

9. Is génépi a brandy?

No, génépi is not a brandy. It is a herbal liqueur . The difference is simple: a brandy is obtained by fermentation and distillation of fruits or cereals, whereas génépi is a plant macerated in alcohol .

This is what gives it its characteristic taste, which is floral, herbaceous and slightly spicy.

10. What official recognition for génépi?

Genepi benefits from a precise legal framework: its name is protected at European level, and its production must respect certain rules, in particular a minimum sugar content to be called “liqueur” (100g of sugar/litre).

At Guillaumette , we go beyond legal requirements: we guarantee local, artisanal and transparent production.

11. (Bonus Question) Why is Guillaumette génépi considered one of the best?

Because behind every bottle lies a clear choice:

• A high altitude culture : at 2,100 m, in a harsh environment which forges the aromas.

• A unique plant : exclusively organic yellow genepi (Artemisia mutellina) , cultivated with patience and respect.

• Artisanal know-how : hand-harvested, long and careful maceration, without colorings or artificial additives.

• A family history : inherited from a passionate mountaineer grandfather, which we perpetuate with the same high standards.

And above all, official recognition:

• 🥇 Gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris in 2020 and 2024 for Authentic Génépi

• 🥇 Gold medal in Frankfurt in 2024

• 🥈 Silver medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris in 2023 for Génépi Dry

• 🥈 Silver medal in London in 2024 for our two génépis

• 🏆 Excellence Award in 2021 at the Paris Agricultural Show

These distinctions contribute to making Guillaumette génépi one of the most recognized and appreciated.

Conclusion

Genepi is much more than a liqueur: it is a rare high-altitude plant , a solitary plant that chooses rocky slopes to survive, and a craft skill passed down from generation to generation.

At Guillaumette , we cultivate our organic yellow genepi ( Artemisia mutellina ) in the Hautes-Alpes, at an altitude of over 2,100 meters, and we produce it by maceration to preserve its authenticity.
The result? A liqueur that ranks among the best, because it embodies the mountain in all its purity.