Vespetro Especiale - 50CL

Ever tried Vespetro?  Maybe never even heard of it? That’s not surprising, it’s an extremely rare drink dating back to at least the 18th Century from the breathtaking Italian lake District. Scannagatta’s magical Vespetro originates from Bellagio on the banks of Lake Como. Part liqueur, part amaro and fully flavoursome, Vespetro Especiale hovers around Chartreuse type flavours, with plenty else as well.

There are only two commercial producers of Vespetro in the world and Especiale is the only one available in the UK.

Tasting Notes

•    Appearance: A brilliant, eye-catching golden-yellow hue that catches the light beautifully in the glass.
•    Aroma: A highly intense and aromatic nose bursting with complex herbal notes. Inviting scents of green anise, sweet fennel, and freshly crushed coriander seeds mingle seamlessly with a bright, zesty hint of fresh lemon peel.
•    Palate: Rich, enveloping, and delightfully soft on the tongue. It delivers a deep sweetness balanced perfectly by its bold, aromatic character. Warm botanical layers of wild fennel and angelica seeds coat the mouth without any sharp alcoholic burn.
•    Finish: Long-lasting, warming, and clean, leaving a pleasant, lingering aftertaste of Mediterranean herbs, refreshing citrus oils, and a subtle touch of liquorice-like anise.

Product Description

Vespetro Especiale is a legendary Italian herbal liqueur with a storied heritage beginning in Bellagio.  Introduced to the Lombardy region during the Napoleonic era of the early 19th century, it became an iconic status symbol celebrated in prestigious historic European travel logs like the Baedeker and Curti guides. It even captured the praise of the famous French author Stendhal when he visited the area in 1818. The historic estate commercialised and perfected this exceptional recipe under the guidance of a local pharmacist named Scannagatta, subsequently winning international acclaim and prestigious awards at the 1898 Turin Exhibition and the 1900 Paris World’s Fair.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the traditional distilling methods involve the careful selection and precise maceration of premium botanicals. A pristine blend of medicinal herbs and six core seeds, including angelica, coriander, caraway, and wild fennel, is soaked alongside fresh citrus zests. This rich infusion undergoes a delicate distillation process to capture the pure, aromatic essences of the plants before being blended into its final, smooth form. Bottled at a potent 40% ABV, this exquisite liquid comes elegantly presented in a 50 cl bottle.

Serving & Cocktail Suggestions

•    The Neat Digestif: In keeping with true Italian tradition, enjoy it well-chilled in a small glass as a luxurious post-dinner digestif to ease digestion.
•    Vespetro Vodka Sour: For a modern mixology twist, combine 45 ml of vodka, 25 ml of fresh lemon juice, 15 ml of sugar syrup, and 20 ml of Vespetro Especiale in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a coupe glass for a beautifully aromatic, sophisticated cocktail.
•    The Spiced Spritz: Pour a measure over plenty of ice, top with dry sparkling wine or premium tonic water, and finish with a fresh slice of lemon to make an exceptional afternoon aperitif.
Food Matchings
The botanical complexity and sweet profile of this liqueur make it a wonderful companion for a variety of pairings:
•    Desserts: Pair it alongside traditional Italian bakes like almond biscotti, lemon tarts, or fruit panettone, where the citrus and anise notes beautifully elevate the sweets.
•    Savoury Bites: Contrast the sweetness by serving it with a platter of aged cheeses, such as Pecorino or mature goat's cheese, complemented by rosemary-infused crackers and roasted almonds.