The vermouth encyclopedia

Vermutpedia

Aromatic family: Bitter

Cascara sagrada

Scientific name: Frangula purshiana (Rhamnus purshiana)

Bark of earthy, woody bitterness — austere and of dry persistence.

Origin: Pacific coast of North America

Cascara sagrada is the aged bark of Frangula purshiana, formerly classified as Rhamnus purshiana. It ranks among historic bitter barks, though it is far less canonical in vermouth than wormwood, gentian or cinchona; that distinction matters when reading what vermouth is.

Food use requires authorised raw materials and technical control: a botanical reference must not be confused with an invitation to domestic use. In a professional maceration it brings bitter wood and dryness, but its derivatives also have well-known laxative activity.

Editorially it is best treated as a minority botanical, always verifying the producer’s declaration. The special vermouths guide offers context for less common formulae, and Gallo Bravo Bitter helps compare intensely bitter profiles without claiming that this bark is present.

Role in the recipe

  • Brings a dry, earthy, woody bark bitterness.
  • Can give depth to root formulae in technical doses.
  • Requires traceability, regulatory compliance and professional dosing.
  • Must not be presented as a common botanical or for domestic use.

Related vermouths

3 catalogue references linked to this botanical.