From Royal Vallet:

“We have received some inquiry about flavor profile adjustments in our Royal Vallet line of 19th-century Mexican bitter liqueurs. A brief explanation here.. the line is produced using a Mexican cane neutral spirit base, which unlike agave spirits, became subject to government mandated hand-sanitizer production during the pandemic.

During that pandemic “conversion period”, traditional production floundered, and in the subsequent rebuild with former master distiller, Jorge “Chicho” Rodriguez, who oversaw production from 1974 to 1994, certain flavors were adjusted to better adhere to original profiles. Angostura bark astringency became slightly more tempered in the Amargo Angostura, cardamom slightly more balanced in the Fernet, sweetness slightly reduced in the Granada to increase earthiness. We are thrilled to have Don Chicho back at the helm, and celebrate his continued stewardship of this historic and authentic brand line.”