Amaro Jefferson 70CL

Vecchio Magazzino Dogonale means Old Customs Warehouse in Italian.

Giacomo, great-great grandfather of current owner Ivano Trombino ran a small, rural warehouse in Consenza, Calabria from the 1850’s that sold farm produce, agricultural goods and crucially, smuggled spirits. In 1871, three English sailors, tired of life at sea arrived and worked here for decades. Their names were Jefferson, Roger and Gil and these are names of some of Vecchio’s finest creations. Legend has it that the Englishmen began distilling here and a long tradition of locally produced spirits was born.  

The details of this story are lost to time, but what isn’t under dispute is the incredible quality of Vecchio’s drinks. It’s good country in Consenza with a broad range of local botanicals from sun drenched coastal plains to high altitude mountain terroir and these have enabled Vecchio to produce a fine and varied range of wonderful spirits. Our suggestion? Try them all!

Tasting Notes

•    Nose: An intense, bright, and multi-layered Mediterranean bouquet dominated by fresh Calabrian citrus. Clear aromas of bergamot peel, bitter orange, and grapefruit merge seamlessly with fragrant garden notes of fresh rosemary, eucalyptus, and a faint hint of sweet vanilla.
•    Palate: Beautifully soft, silky, and deeply complex. An initial wave of rich citrus sweetness transitions smoothly into an earthy, woody bitterness, punctuated by warm baking spices, oregano, and rhubarb.
•    Finish: A remarkably long, elegant, and refreshing herbal finish that perfectly balances its bittersweet character without ever feeling overly syrupy or cloying.

Product Description

Jefferson Amaro Importante is an award-winning, premium bitter liqueur crafted in Calabria, Italy. Highly regarded internationally, it was named the World's Best Liqueur at the prestigious World Liqueur Awards. Presented in a classic 70 cl bottle size and balanced at 30% ABV, this exceptional spirit is celebrated for its purely natural character, completely free from artificial colourings or chemical stabilisers.

Distilling Methods

Every botanical is sourced locally from the region: bitter oranges are harvested from Bisignano, bergamot from Roccella Ionica, and fresh rosemary from Montalto Uffugo. The meticulous manufacturing methods respect the raw materials and strict seasonality, taking over 11 months to assemble a single batch. The botanicals undergo separate hydroalcoholic maceration processes based on their delicate properties:

•    Fresh citrus peels (lemons, grapefruit, bergamot, oranges) are infused separately in 80% alcohol for three days.
•    Aromatic herbs and roots (rosemary, eucalyptus, oregano, gentian, rhubarb) are steeped separately in 40% alcohol for ten days.
Once combined with pure cane sugar and water, the final blend rests in the bottle for an additional 40 days before release.

Serving Suggestions

•    Neat or Chilled: Enjoy it as a traditional after-dinner digestif. It can be served at room temperature (14–16°C) to fully appreciate its spicy complexity, or chilled (4–6°C) as a refreshing digestif. Do not place the bottle in the freezer.
•    On the Rocks: Pour a generous measure over a single large ice cube in a lowball tumbler, garnished with a fresh strip of orange or grapefruit peel to highlight the bright citrus oils.

Cocktail Recommendations

•    Jefferson Spritz: Fill a wine glass with ice, add 45ml of Amaro Jefferson, top with 90ml of Prosecco and a splash of soda water. Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.
•    Calabrian Negroni: A sophisticated twist on the classic. Combine equal parts (30ml each) of Amaro Jefferson, premium gin, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir thoroughly until chilled, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, and express an orange twist over the top.
•    Amaro & Tonic: For a long, refreshing serve, mix 45ml of Amaro Jefferson with 90ml of premium tonic water in a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary or a lemon wheel.

Food Pairings

The intricate equilibrium between sugar, citrus, and herbal bitterness allows Amaro Jefferson to match beautifully with food at the end of a meal:

•    Confectionery & Sweets: It pairs exquisitely with rich dark chocolate, cocoa-dusted truffles, or a traditional Italian chocolate torte, where the amaro's vanilla and citrus notes cut through the bitterness of the cacao.
•    Cheese Course: Contrast the liqueur's herbal profile against the sharp, salty tang of aged pecorino or a creamy, mature goat's cheese.
•    Savoury & Seafood: Surprisingly, its bright citrus structure makes it an excellent partner for grilled calamari dressed with olive oil and Mediterranean herbs.