Luxardo Sambuca dei Cesari
Luxardo Sambuca dei Cesari is a 38% ABV (76 proof), 750mL star anise liqueur from Girolamo Luxardo S.p.A. of Torreglia, Italy — the essential oils of Chinese star anise steam-distilled and macerated in alcohol with herbs, spices and sugar, crystal clear in the glass. It took Double Gold at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
The Luxardo family has made liqueurs since 1821 — founded in Zara by Girolamo Luxardo, rebuilt at Torreglia near Padua after the wartime destruction of the Zara distillery, and still family-run into the seventh generation. Sambuca dei Cesari is the house's classic Italian digestivo: anise forward and unapologetically sweet, produced to the original family recipe and served the way Italy has always served it.
Tasting profile: crystal clear; pine and coriander gin-like notes with cracked black pepper, anise and black liquorice on the nose; a syrupy mouthfeel, very sweet and clean, rich with aniseed and liquorice and a subtle coriander lift. Browse the Luxardo brand collection, more liqueurs, and the full spirits collection at Del Mesa Liquor.
Serving note: the ultimate after-dinner liqueur — neat, over ice, or con la mosca with three coffee beans; also ideal flamed over coffee or lengthened with water as an aperitivo.
How do you serve sambuca? Traditionally neat with three coffee beans (con la mosca), over ice, or with coffee after a meal.
What is it made from? Star anise essential oils, extracted by steam distillation and macerated in alcohol, with herbs and spices.
Has it won awards? Yes — Double Gold Medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
What is the ABV? 38% ABV (76 proof), 750mL.