Averna Amaro Siciliano

Averna Amaro Siciliano is one of Italy’s most iconic amaros — rich, velvety, and beautifully balanced between bittersweet herbal depth and warm citrus-caramel sweetness. Smooth and approachable yet complex enough for contemplative sipping, it remains a timeless staple in both classic Italian digestivo culture and modern mixology.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Averna originated in Sicily in the mid-1800s, created from a secret family recipe of herbs, roots, citrus, and natural botanicals. Its base spirit is infused with a carefully measured blend of Mediterranean ingredients, including Sicilian citrus peels, myrtle, pomegranate, and various aromatic herbs native to the island.

The infusion is gently macerated and rested to allow the botanical oils and aromatic compounds to integrate fully. Slow maturation gives the amaro its signature dark color, silky texture, and rounded sweetness. The result is a deeply flavorful yet highly drinkable amaro that reflects Sicily’s warmth, hospitality, and culinary heritage. Bottled at 29% ABV, Averna maintains both flavor intensity and smooth approachability.

Critics Reviews

Professional spirits writers regularly praise Averna as one of the most versatile and rewarding amaros on the market. Critics highlight its harmonious blend of citrus, caramel, and herbal bitterness, calling it “rich without heaviness” and “sweet enough to welcome newcomers while offering layered complexity for amaro aficionados.”

It is frequently recommended for both sipping and cocktails, noted for its silky mouthfeel, approachable bitterness, and ability to add depth to Negroni variations, Black Manhattans, and amaro-forward spritzes.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Warm caramel, orange zest, sweet herbs, dried citrus peel, and subtle hints of myrtle, licorice root, and Mediterranean botanicals. Aromatic and inviting with a soft earthy undercurrent.

Palate:
Rich, smooth, and gently bittersweet. Notes of dark caramel, candied orange peel, cola spice, and herbal tea unfold over a silky texture. Additional layers of cocoa, dried fig, and soft herbal bitterness bring depth without sharpness.

Finish:
Long, velvety, and warming. Lingering caramelized citrus, mild herbal bitterness, and a final wave of sweet spice and earthy botanicals. Balanced, soothing, and endlessly drinkable.

Quick Overview

"Sicily’s traditional digestive punches hard with heady flavors of dried roots, orange peel, and star anise. Although rich, the palate is deftly checked from saccharine sweetness by the native and imported botanicals’ bitter touch." 94 Points 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge