Since 1868, the esteemed Historic Distilleria Varnelli has been meticulously crafting exceptional spirits amidst the slopes of the Sibillini Mountains in Italy’s Marche region. Founded by Girolamo Varnelli, a revered botanist, the distillery finds its home in the heart of Mount Sibillini, a treasured Italian National Park and nature preserve.
Girolamo’s is devoted to studying the indigenous medicinal plants that flourish in this region. He devised an original recipe for a medicinal elixir abundant in yellow gentian and chincona, renowned for their fever-
reducing and antimalarial properties. This remarkable creation, named Amaro Sibilla was just the beginning for Varnelli.
The most recent release and probably the most well known now is Amaro dell’Erborista; a digestivo developed with local herbs, roots and botanicals and also chincona, sweetened only by raw local honey and cooked over wood-fired kettles.
In the early 20th Century Girolamo’s son Antonio Varnelli took the reigns and continued to build the reputation of the distillery, developing new liqueurs including a rustic anisette liqueur. Varnelli Anice Secco was released at a quality level never seen before and took Varnelli to new heights and fame.
Today, Distilleria Varnelli is run by the family’s fourth generation: four women, responsible for the rediscovery and diffusion of the herbal Amaro di Erbe Tonico-Digestive. For close to two
centuries, the Varnelli family has upheld the very same production techniques and traditions
with an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Certain phases of production are only still
carried out by the family due to the secrecy in the processes passed down through each
generation.
Ingredients: Alcohol, local roots, barks, herbs and botanicals, honey, water
Alcohol Content: 34%
Rich aromas of bitter herbs, dried chestnuts and walnuts husk followed by scents of coffee and honey. Intense tannins on the palate balanced by fine aromas of chestnuts, honey, dried fruit, vanilla and coffee with a long finish
Ingredients: Alcohol, local roots. barks, herbs and botanicals, honey, water
Alcohol Content: 21%
Aromas of lightly stewed ripe fruit and sultana dates, with scents of gentian, rhubarb, sandalwood and honey. Dry on the palate with soft bitterness and tannins.
Ingredients: Alcohol, local herbs and botanicals, sugar, water
Alcohol Content: 46%
All-enveloping, full-bodied, medium dry, it recalls the same strong, persistent aroma found in the bouquet: aniseed, cucumber and wild fennel. The finish is harmonious, which is a sign of excellent quality, and very pleasant.
Ingredients: Alcohol, coffee, local herbs and botanicals, sugar, water
Alcohol Content: 30%
The distinctive aroma of espresso blends with notes of cocoa, vanilla, spices, tobacco, honey and caramel. Soft, sweet and well balanced.
Ingredients: Alcohol, local roots, barks, herbs and botanicals, honey, water
Alcohol Content: 35%
Scents of caramelized fruit and citrus zest, accompanied by vanilla and roasted coffee on the nose. Flavors of coffee blended with caramel, roast hazelnuts, cocoa, raisins and smokiness on the mouth, rich and flavorful traditional Italian liqueur.
