Italian Spirits

Producer Description 

The Cherry Brandy by Pojer and Sandri is obtained from two varieties of cherries: 70% Stevnsbaer and 30% Schattenmorelle. The distillation takes place through an innovative discontinuous bain-marie still.

This distillate is part of the most traditional brandies, but unlike those produced in Switzerland, the Black Forest or Alsace, this one uses sour cherries (marasca) instead of sweet ones, which results in a more delicate product. Crystalline white color. Initially intense flavor, then soft and dry, in line with the typicality of the original fruit.

Producer Description 

PO' di Poli Aromatica is a young grappa featuring an aromatic, balmy taste. Made from Gewurtzraminer grape marc. This grappa offers aromas of lemons and grapefruits, with a hint of pine sprig. Full-bodied taste.

Distillerie is an artisanal grappa distillery owned solely by the Poli family, founded in 1898 in Schiavon, near Bassano del Grappa, in the heart of the Veneto. The distillery produces mainly grappa or liqueurs derived from grappa.

They select only the best grape pomace from some of the best winemakers in Italy and use a traditional copper still that has been in use for more than a century. Po di Poli Aromatica is a young grappa made from Gewurztraminer marc; it has aromas of lemon and grapefruit with a hint of pine and is full-bodied, with great character and elegance. Producer Description.

Producer Description 

Caffe Lucano is the combination of the finest coffee blends and embodies the intensity of real Italian espresso with hints of cocoa and vanilla. It is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature in winter. It is the perfect after dinner drink and ideal for decorating ice cream. 

Expert Review 

Wine Enthusiast 96-100 Points | Wonderful, delectable ripe cherry bouquet. The entry is perfectly balanced between ripe cherry meat and cherry pit with a dash of bittersweet juiciness; the midpalate features the juice more than the cherry meat and is delicious. Concludes clean, semisweet, intensely ripe, round, smooth as silk and perfect. Cherry brandy splendor.

From oranges…

It comes from the distillation of high-quality Italian oranges, processed in their entirety of pulp and juice according to the exclusive Bonaventura Maschio process. Due to the production technique and the lower sugar content, it clearly differs from liqueurs and infuai.

Perfect to consume at the end of a meal.

Producer Description 

The 18-98 Family Solera was founded in 2001, keeping aside every year 7 barrels of Grappa until 2014, thus reaching 98 barriques  dedicated to this product. The youngest spirit that is gradually introduced in the family solera has a minimum aging of 18 months in barrique. Since 2015 we created a blend of the various vintages, in order to obtain a Grappa featuring unique and unmistakable style throughout the years.

The Solera method is an aging system that allows the grappa to merge different years in a harmonious blend as the time goes by. The new vintage is introduced in the barriques located on the highest row in the aging cellar, while the Grappa to be bottled is taken from the row close to the soil (solera). 

The solera row is never emptied completely, but just a part of it, which will be replaced by an equal amount of Grappa coming from the second row, which will be consequently fulfilled by the third row and so on, with a series of successive passages. This way on the lowest row, a blend of older and older vintages is obtained.

The aroma recalls a little wooden box full of chocolate, vanilla, licorice and freshly roasted coffee beans.

Producer Description 

Grappa di Brunello Riserva Vigna Paganelli is the result of artisanal batch distillation of fresh pomace from Sangiovese grapes sourced in the Paganelli vineyard.

In a slow and methodical distillation process using copper stills, our Master Distiller manually separates the "head" and "tail" from the "heart" that will eventually become our Grappa Riserva - but only after aging for 4 years in 350 litres (93 Gallon) French oak barrel, previously used for the aging of Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino.

Winemaker Description 

Milla is a liqueur made from the infusion of Camomile flowers in the grappa. The Camomile flowers are picked when fully ripened then left to steep for eleven months in the grappa. This liqueur is obtained from a traditional and easy recipe, typical in the Langhe territory, the land of Barolo and Barbaresco. 

Honey, beeswax, and floral on the nose, evoking aromas of chamomile tea and honey. Light, smooth and delicate on the palate, this is a perfect liqueur for dessert pairing.

Producer Description 

Created from the pomace of Nebbiolo from Barolo. Its color is rich amber, from aging for a minimum of four years in small barrels. Amply perfumed, with deep and vivid flavors of toasty vanilla. Warmly full bodied; generous in character. 

Expert Review

Tastings.com: 93 Points | The recipe for this liqueur was created by the apothecaries of the Dominican monastery at Zara, now Zadar - Croatia, which includes Honey and Marasca Cherries. From a distillery established in 1821 in Italy, Luxardo Maraschino is one of the very few liqueurs in the world produced by distillation. Luxardo's maraschino liqueur is one of the world's great spirits, a complex, funky distillation of sour cherries that can kick a cocktail into overdrive.

Producer Description 

An authentic maraschino made to a recipe dating from 1821 using the Marasca cherry. Aged for two years in Finnish oak vats prior to bottling, this pretty much sets the standard.

Producer Description 

Made 100% naturally with zero additives. Herbs, flowers, fruit, berries and roots ennobled by ÙE® Monovitigno® Fragolino.

L'Aperitivo Nonino BotanicalDrink is completely natural and vegan friendlyStand-out notes of fresh citrus, bitter gentian, and summer fruits will liven the senses, quench your thirst and make you instantly forget about anything that could possibly get in the way of this pleasure inducing tonic.

Vecchia Romagna Etichetta Nera, or Black Label, Brandy is a luscious Brandy from Italy distilled from Trebbiano grapes. Aged in small oak casks for a total of 3 years, Vecchia Romagna is light on the palate, but with deep and concentrated flavours to deliver a truly refined drinking experience. Suited wonderfully to after dinner alongside a great espresso coffee.

Producer Description 

The Grappa Riserva 7 Years Bortolo Nardini Selection is a grappa obtained from artisanal processes starting from pomace of multivitigno grapes. It ages for at least 7 years in Slavonian oak barrels.

Light amber in color, it offers rich spicy sensations of vanilla to the nose, enriched by hints of cherry and wild berries. On the palate it offers a complex, rich and persistent profile.

Ideal to be tasted neat, it is perfect to be served at the end of a meal with dry pastries. 

Producer Description 

Jacopo Poli Torcolato is a clear grappa with a full spectrum of aromas: dates, dried apricots, raisin, honey and sweet spice. On the palate, the depth is incredible, rich and persistant?the flavors continue to evolve well into the finish.

Poli Negroni is a premium, ready to serve cocktail. Artfully blended with quality ingredients from the Poli Distillery, including: Gin Marconi 42, Vermouth Gran Bassano Rosso and Bitter Super Taurus.

The Poli Distillery is a historic artisanal enterprise owned by the Poli Family founded in 1898 in Schiavon, near Bassano del Grappa, in the heart of Veneto, the most renowned region for the production of Grappa.

For four generations the Poli Distillery has operated with an ancient alembic completely made of copper, among the very few still existing, which allows for the production of Grappa and other distillates, featuring a sophisticated balance between personality and elegance. Just add ice and a slice of orange for a perfect Negroni

This dark red liqueur incorporates dry, sweet and bitter notes that produce an intense and aromatic cocktail. Best served well chilled, over ice.

Winemaker Description

A rich, golden color is displayed in this slightly sweet aperitif. The classic vermouth flavors of wormwood and citrus are joined by more exotic tones of chamomile, green tea, and raw vanilla bean. A keen acidity keeps the palate lively, fresh, and inviting. 

Martini & Rossi Bianco Vermouth - the Queen of Vermouth - is a light and crisp vermouth and the most cosmopolitan of all Italian drinks. Once known as Bianchissimo, meaning 'whitest,' it has been held in the highest regard since its creation in Pessione in 1910.

Enjoy it with friends in the classic serve of Martini & Rossi Bianco Vermouth and Tonic. Producer Description. 

Producer Description 

Sambuca is produced by the infusion of elder bush and licorice, sweetened with sugar and enhanced with a secret combination of herbs and spices. Romana Black is a unique blend of essences derived from Sambucus Nigra berries and star Anise. 

Producer Description 

There’s an entire botanical universe of aroma happening here including sassafras, root beer, sage, rosemary, basil, parsley, white pepper. Taste-wise, the attributes appreciated in the bouquet are all present and accounted for the flavor, which is crisp, incredibly bitter, yet stunning in its earthy, woodsy elegance.

Producer Description 

Vergnano Liqueur Arancino Organic Blood Orange is made with simple ingredients: Organic wheat alcohol (vodka), organic blood orange juice, organic blood orange peels extract and organic cane sugar.

The blend of organically grown Sicilian oranges (Moro, Sanguinello e Tarocco orange variety) provides a refined, vibrant and yet elegant note to Arancino liqueur. 

Producer Description 

Experience the unique flavor of Carpano Botanic Bitter, a masterpiece crafted by Carpano, a brand celebrated for its near 240-year tradition in creating premium vermouths with Italian finesse. This premium bitter is not just a drink but a continuation of Carpano’s esteemed legacy, a reflection of an enduring commitment to unparalleled quality and exquisite flavor.

A vibrant symphony of citrus and herbal notes graces the palate, a harmonious blend rooted in centuries-old craftsmanship yet tailored for the contemporary connoisseur. This versatility is the hallmark of Carpano Botanic Bitter, elevating classic cocktails with its rich, layered flavors. 

Producer Description 

Sweet and bitter oranges are grown and harvested directly on Caffo properties then carefully blended with an infusion made of several herbs and spices: with juniper, rhubarb and gentian as the most recognizable.

The distinctive, bitter flavor of the Calabrian Chinotto orange and cinchona can be easily recognized. Ideal for Negroni cocktail or spritz, Caffo Red Bitter can be used in any recipe calling for a high quality bitter. 

Producer Description 

Sambuca is produced by the infusion of elder bush and licorice, sweetened with sugar and enhanced with a secret combination of herbs and spices. Romana Sambuca is a distinctive, flavorful and unique Italian liqueur. At 42% alcohol by volume, with a bold yet pleasingly sweet anise flavor. Romana offers a memorable taste experience with a smooth finish. 

Producer Description

Producer Description 

Solerno is a delicious blood orange liqueur made from Sicilian blood oranges, known for their intense flavor and bittersweet taste, handpicked at the height of their season. 

Producer Description 

Aged for 4 years in French oak barriques (60 gallons), previously used to age the Sicilian Marsala wine. This grappa has subtle tones of vanilla and cocoa. The color comes from the wood, since all spirits start clear.

The barrique gives a new dimension that is clearly perceived on the palate. Some of the best Barolo producers supply the pomace for all the aged Barolo grappas of Marolo. 

Producer Description

Luxardo Amaro Abano originated in 1952. Amaro means “bitter,” and Abano is an old Roman spa in the Veneto region that has been active for the last 500 years. The label depicts the spa around the year 1600. The herbs in this amaro grow wild and are infused along with cardamom, cinnamon and bitter orange peel. Luxardo Amaro Abano is a medium bitter, extremely popular in Italy, and especially in the Veneto region, drunk straight after a meal with or without ice to help digestion. Producer Description.

Expert Review

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Take a cue from the deep, dark-brown hue and viscous texture: This is a palate-coating liqueur with deep, dark flavors of espresso, bitter chocolate, dark gingerbread, toffee and dried fig, cut with a mild bitter-orange note and cardamom spice. Best Buy.

Producer Description 

Marked notes of juniper, with overtones of myrtle and slightly citrusy aromatic herbs. Floral aromas that conjure up the meadows in the upper Langa and the Alps in summer are strengthened by a balsamic finish.

Palate: Though it may contain only a few botanicals, it exudes opulence in a taste packed with richness and body. A few seconds after an intense opening the notes of juniper burst onto the palate, followed by hints of spices and herbs on the finish. As only natural herbs and infusions are used, the oily sensation that fills the mouth lingers on the palate, meaning much less is required for mixing with tonic than other types of gin.

Much lighter than most other red vermouths, Bordiga Rosso works beautifully as a sipper or when you don't want to overpower a lighter spirit in a cocktail.

Aromatized with botanicals from the Occitan Alps near the winery, there are lovely soft notes of cinnamon, baking spices, and cola sweetness. Producer Description. 

Producer Description 

Martini & Rossi Bitter is a classic re-crafted. Made in Torino, it's based on a 1872 recipe featuring 20 herbs and botanicals including Saffron, Calumba and Angostura barks.

This hand-crafted product was designed for hand-crafted cocktails, and is the only bitter rested in oak.

Producer Description 

It would bring me immense pleasure to disclose to all the recipe of my Amaro Lucano, but truly I cannot, I could not, certainly not! I have sworn an oath of the utmost solemnity, that this recipe be biquethed from father to son, as is fitting for the most precious inheritances. 

What of this marvellous bitters am I permitted to reveal? Allow me to divulge: it contains the essence of more than 30 herbs, a symphony of flavours to which its unique taste - both delicately balanced and invigorating - can be attributed. In this blend you should detect, provided that you possess the full use and benefit of your nose and palate of course, floral notes, a whisper of citrus...among others...I cannot bring myself to disclose anything further!

The recipe resides solely within my mind, where it shall remain. I boast already a remarkable amount of memory - at least a terabyte in my estimation! There is not one word to be found of my recipe in any scroll or manuscript, no Instagram oeuvre can broadcast its secrets - a fact that all food bloggers shall have to swallow! But fret not, foodies and friends, you need not attain the arcane in order to savour the flavour.

Winemaker Description 

This traditional grappa has a clear, intense golden yellow to amber color. The nose is delicate and complex, with hints of bread, orange peel, wild flowers, elderberry, vanilla, plum, dried fruits, raisins and amaretto. 

The taste is smooth, rich, velvety, tannic and harmonious, exploding at the back of the mouth with authoritative aromas and long-lasting persistence, leaving notes of vanilla, almond, cocoa, tobacco, licorice and walnut bread.