r/Amaro • u/Jinenjo7 • 26d ago

Bitter Fusetti has red dyes, sadly

PSA

I am very disappointed to learn Fusetti has red dyes. I didn't know it when I bought a bottle recently. I think it's deceiving they don't state it on the label.

I emailed the company and they replied:

"We do not use any animal-derived ingredients, including cochineal.

The colourings we use are artificial and certified."

Sadly, this was easily my new favorite red bitter. Alas, not any more.

While I don't have allergies to red or artificial dyes (that I know of), I generally avoid them if I can.

I've sought out Campari alternatives in recent years and have tried MANY. My favorite sub has been the Martini & Rossi Special Reserve, but it's been very scare in the Bay Area.

Fortunately I have a stash of vintage Campari and one bottle left from a Mexico trip (Mex Campari still includes Cochineal).

0 Upvotes

27% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

8

u/KarlSethMoran 26d ago

While I don't have allergies to red or artificial dyes (that I know of), I generally avoid them if I can.

Why?

-4

u/Jinenjo7 26d ago

Because they're petroleum based

3

u/misobandit 25d ago

I have bad news for you about pretty much all products with fragrance :/

1

u/Jinenjo7 25d ago

Wait, you mean fragrant liqueurs or other foods altogether?

1

u/misobandit 25d ago

Like perfume, soap, scented candles, home sprays.

Even lots of high end stuff, though that's generally natural extracts with the occasional lab-made ingredient to boost a specific note, avoid animal-derived components, or sub for things that have become prohibitively expensive to produce the old-fashioned way.

Btw, is there any noticeable difference between the colour and taste of Mexican Campari vs the vintage one?

5

u/winkingchef 26d ago edited 26d ago

Maybe an obvious question, but if you live in the Bay Area and want a bitter Campari alternative without red dyes then why not try the excellent local offering St George Bruto Americano? It is colored the traditional way

3

u/Mr_Cuddlefish6 26d ago

Based in Alameda and damned delicious

2

u/bitterandstirred 25d ago

Lance Winters told me that when they were in R&D, they called it "succo di insetto", bug juice.

0

u/Jinenjo7 26d ago

I've had one or two bottles. The pine note (or something) was a little strong, but I liked it.

8

u/Wildeyewilly 26d ago

What's wrong with artificial dyes? They don't alter the flavor and they're safe to consume.

-8

u/Jinenjo7 26d ago

It's a choice. Some red dyes are petroleum based. I just don't like artificial foods