Amaro Averna

Averna is a company in Caltanissetta, Sicily produces a liqueur called Amaro Siciliano. The liqueur is produced according to a secret recipe of the Averna family since 1868. Ingredients are 60 different herbs, the alcohol content is 29%. The company also produces the lemon liqueur Limoncello.

Amaro Siciliano

Colloquially the Amaro Siciliano is almost exclusively referred to as Averna.

History

The recipe for the herbal liquor was developed in the 19th century by a Capuchin monk named Fra Girolamo. He was a close friend of Salvatore Averna, who lived in Caltanissetta and produced herbal liqueur for his family and acquaintances. Shortly before his death in 1868 Fra Girolamo was the recipe, which he had hitherto kept secret, at Averna on. Thus, the production of Amaro Siciliano began. The son Francesco Averna took over the sales and designed a bottle label that is easily modified to use today.

Business

Under the following generations, the company expanded and took a leading position in the Italian market for spirits. Today the company Averna makes annually about 150 million euros, half of which is generated in 45 foreign markets. It is still in Caltanissetta the headquarters of the family business. Meanwhile, there is another branch in Milan. With the company group include a winery in Friuli and a confectionery company from Piedmont.

Production

Basic components of the Averna are 60 different herbs, roots and fruit peels. The raw materials are controlled, cut into small pieces and ground in a mortar. An assembled exactly according to the recipe mixture rest 30 to 40 days in pure alcohol several times filtered and enriched with sugar syrup and burnt sugar. To date, significant manufacturing steps are performed by hand. After a storage period of two months, the herb is fully developed and can be bottled.

The Averna is one of the after-dinner drinks and is drunk predominantly pure in Italy. Variants are Averna on ice with lemon or blood orange and a cocktail or long drink.