St. George Bruto Americano Liqueur
St. George Bruto Americano Liqueur is America's answer to the great Italian bitter aperitivi: a 48-proof (24% ABV), 750mL liqueur distilled in Alameda, California, from gentian root, California-grown Seville orange, balsam fir, and cascara sagrada, colored naturally with cochineal to a ruby-red hue. Master distiller Lance Winters, head distiller Dave Smith, and bartender-graphic designer Brandon Josie spent three years perfecting the recipe — and the Italian-modernist label is their design too. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 24% (48 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: bitter aperitivo liqueur, unaged
- Botanicals: gentian root, Seville orange, balsam fir, cascara sagrada (hot-steeped and cold-infused)
- Color: natural cochineal, ruby red
- Distillery: St. George Spirits, Alameda, California (founded 1982)
The American Amaro, Done Right
Italian bitter liqueurs are built on generations of botanical lore; St. George built Bruto Americano on three years of recipe iteration at one of California's pioneering craft distilleries. The bitterness comes from gentian root, the citrus from Seville oranges grown in California, the woodsy depth from balsam fir and cascara sagrada bark — some botanicals hot-steeped, others cold-infused, then filtered. For the liqueur shelf's aperitivo slot, it is the bottle that finally gives Negronis, Boulevardiers, and spritzes an all-American bitter.
Tasting Notes
The nose is vibrant citrus backed by cinnamon, sandalwood, and fir. The palate leads with classic bitter aperitivo bitterness, opens into a herbaceous mid-palate, and finishes with a lingering bitter-citrus snap.
How to Enjoy
Build a Negroni or Boulevardier with it, or serve it the Italian way — 2 oz Bruto Americano, 1 oz soda water, orange twist, over ice. In a spritz with prosecco it is superb. It also elevates any bitter-citrus cocktail where Campari's shadow usually falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bruto Americano?
A 24% ABV bitter aperitivo liqueur from St. George Spirits in Alameda, California — an American take on Italian-style bitters.
What botanicals are in it?
Gentian root, California-grown Seville orange, balsam fir, and cascara sagrada, colored naturally with cochineal.
What cocktails use Bruto Americano?
Negroni, Boulevardier, Americano, and spritzes — anywhere a bitter aperitivo is called for.
Who makes St. George spirits?
St. George Spirits, founded in 1982 in Alameda, California, by master distiller Lance Winters' team.
Browse more St. George spirits or our full cocktail-ready liqueurs. If bitter aperitivos are your weakness, order St. George Bruto Americano online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.