Mithradates VI (135–63 BC) was the ruler of the Kingdom of Pontus in northern Anatolia from 120 to 63 BC, and one of the Roman Republic's most formidable and determined opponents. He regularly ingested a poisonous botanical concoction in sub-lethal doses to cultivate an immunity to being poisoned. Forthave's fairly faithful interpretation is made with red Frontenac wine from the Finger Lakes and aromatized with 34 unique botanicals. The wine is vinified and fortified with various herbal extractions before resting in used bourbon casks and steel tanks. Vinous, with notes of fig, cardamom, cedar, and mace, this vino amaro is intensely bitter and piercing.  It can be enjoyed many ways: poured over ice with an orange twist; with a splash of club soda or tonic as refreshing spritz; or in place of red vermouth in many cocktails.

NB: Apparently the original recipe included opium but it couldn't pass muster with the NY State Liquor Authority!