Bitter Fusetti Banana is an Italian limited-edition bitter from Bitter Fusetti, created as a more tropical and cocktail-focused interpretation of the house’s modern bitter style. Released in 2023, it is bottled in 700 ml at 25% ABV, and expands the Fusetti idea that bitter does not have to remain confined to classic Italian traditions, but can also move into more playful and international territory. Fusetti itself was launched in 2020 as an artisanal Italian bitter made with infusions of at least 30 days, and the brand is described as a project created by bartenders for bartenders.
In the Banana edition, the house’s bitter backbone remains intact, but the recipe is pushed in a more Caribbean direction. Unlike the original, which uses neutral spirit as its base, this version is built on white rum, and the usual herbal and spice infusions are supplemented with banana and allspice/pimento. The result is a bitter that still feels recognisably Fusetti, but with a softer, rounder, and more exotic profile. It was produced in 9,813 bottles, underlining its status as a special release.
In flavour terms, Bitter Fusetti Banana is both unusual and highly versatile. The nose is described with clear notes of banana, warm spice, and citrus, while the palate moves through tropical fruit, citrus, herbs, and a firm yet well-balanced bitterness. The combination of banana softness and classic bitter structure means it does not come across as simply sweet, but rather as spicy, citrus-led, and elegantly bitter with a tropical edge.
It is especially well suited to tiki-inspired cocktails, where the rum base and banana profile can really shine, but it also works very well as a twist in classic aperitif drinks. Producers and retailers specifically highlight serves such as a Bitter Mai Tai and other tropical-style cocktails, though it can also be enjoyed over ice when you want something more unusual as an aperitif.
