Amaro Lucano Anniversario

The even fancier version of the classic Amaro Lucano.

Pasquale Vena’s grandfather was a confectioner who was very into herbology. So much so, that when he left his hometown of Pisticci in southern Italy at the end of the 1800s for Napoli with his brothers to sail to America, he quickly returned back home because he missed the unique aromas and colors of his town. You could say he followed his heart and that is always the right thing to do (Even if it doesn’t turn into a Spirits empire, but that’s neither here nor there.) In Pisticci, he opened a biscuit shop and continued to experiment with different combos of herbs to create the perfect Liqueur. In 1894, he succeeded and Amaro Lucano was born. It was an instant classic and it even became a staple on the tables of the House of Savoy, granting Vena the Order of Merit and the title of Cavaliere

Amaro Lucano has stayed in the family’s hands until this day and Pasquale Vena runs the company together with his wife and 3 children. When the day comes, Pasquale will pass the secret recipe only he knows to his heirs.

Amaro Lucano Anniversario is the fancier version of the classic Amaro Lucano to celebrate 120 years of the company. It’s a blend of more than 30 carefully selected herbs, based on an ancient recipe by Cavaliere Pasquale Vena. Bottled at a higher proof of 68, the classic flavors of absinthe, gentian, and holy thistle are even more pronounced. Ideal after a hearty dinner or as a cocktail base — have you ever had an Italian Sangria?

Smartass Corner:
Here are some of the herbs included in the closely-guarded recipe: artemisia absinthium, artemisia pontica, clary sage, musk yarrow, holy thistle, bitter orange, gentian, angelica, sambucus elderberry, ruta, aloe, and the essential oil of cinnamon.