Lucano Amaro
Lucano Amaro is one of Italy's great original amari — created in 1894 by pastry chef and herbalist Pasquale Vena in Pisticci, Basilicata, from a secret family recipe of more than 30 herbs. At 28% ABV (56 proof) in 750mL, it balances bitter orange, wormwood, gentian, clary sage and holy thistle against a gentle caramel sweetness — the quintessential Italian digestivo, once an official supplier to the House of Savoy. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 28% (56 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Recipe: 30+ herbs — wormwood, gentian, bitter orange peel, clary sage, holy thistle, angelica
- Origin: Pisticci, Basilicata, Italy — since 1894
- Heritage: Vena family recipe, four generations; former supplier to the House of Savoy
- Rating: 93 points, Wine Enthusiast
Since 1894
"Lucania" is the ancient name of Basilicata — the rugged southern Italian region this amaro is named for and made in. Pasquale Vena's recipe has passed down through the family for four generations, and the bottle's dark mahogany pour remains one of the most balanced in the category: bitter enough for the digestivo hour, sweet enough for cocktails. Wine Enthusiast's 93-point review found jammy cherry and raspberry with eucalyptus, herbaceous root-beer notes and a refreshing mint edge. Explore more amaro & bitters, browse Lucano, or try the bolder Anniversario edition.
Tasting Notes
Per the brand: delicate balance of bitterness and sweetness — dried fruit, baking spice, dark fruit; fruit, cola, mint, coffee, chocolate, orange zest and floral touches; warm, smooth finish. Expect bitter orange, vanilla and warm spice with a clean, lingering bitterness.
How to Enjoy
Neat or on the rocks after a meal with an orange or lemon twist — the traditional digestivo. Also the backbone of a Lucano Spritz (amaro, prosecco, soda) or a Black Manhattan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amaro Lucano made from?
A secret Vena-family recipe of more than 30 herbs, including wormwood, gentian, bitter orange peel, clary sage and holy thistle.
What is the ABV of Amaro Lucano?
28% (56 proof).
How should I drink Amaro Lucano?
Neat, chilled, or over ice with orange zest as a digestivo — or in cocktails like a spritz or Black Manhattan.
Italy's classic digestivo since 1894 — order Amaro Lucano online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.