Brucato Orchards Amaro
Brucato Orchards Amaro is California in a bitter glass — a traditional Italian-style red bitter made from the Golden State's orchard bounty, bottled at 23% ABV (46 proof) in a 750mL bottle. Founded by Sierra and James Clark, Brucato Spirits macerates 15-plus botanicals — apricot, walnut, orange, Meyer lemon, cinnamon, mace, persimmon, and gentian — in Californian neutral grape distillate through a stepped maceration, rests it two months in stainless steel, and sweetens with cane. Double Gold, 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 46 proof (23% ABV) — 750mL
- Maker: Brucato Spirits, California (founded by Sierra & James Clark)
- Botanicals: 15+ — apricot, walnut, orange, Meyer lemon, cinnamon, mace, persimmon, gentian
- Base: Californian neutral grape distillate; cane-sweetened
- Awards: Double Gold, 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
The Orchard as Amaro
Most amari speak of alpine herbs and Mediterranean roots; Orchards speaks of California's Central Valley and Coastal Range, where apricot, walnut, and almond trees roll white with blossom in spring and hang heavy with fruit in summer. The Clarks built their recipes from 200 individual infusions — sourcing from small farms, hand-peeling citrus, applying neck labels by hand — and the result is a red bitter that behaves like Campari's California cousin: ripe red fruit and playful bitterness, warm baking spice, and a high-toned bitter finish that vibrates with lemon and strawberry seeds. Browse more bitter liqueurs or explore everything from Brucato at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Candied walnuts, orange zest, and apricot jam on the nose; the palate brings warm baking spice — notably cinnamon and nutmeg — over juicy apricot and candied orange, with a lingering, high-toned bitterness.
How to Enjoy
Use as you would Campari, Aperol, or Suze in spritzes and negronis; equally good neat or topped with tonic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brucato Orchards Amaro?
A California-made amaro in the style of a traditional Italian red bitter, built on orchard fruits and botanicals — apricot, walnut, orange, Meyer lemon, cinnamon — at 23% ABV.
What cocktails use Orchards Amaro?
Anywhere you'd use Campari or Aperol: negronis, boulevardiers, spritzes, and Americano-style highballs.
Who makes Brucato amari?
Sierra and James Clark in California — Sierra holds a PhD in Food Studies focused on spirits, and the pair built their recipes from 200 individual botanical infusions.
California orchards, Italian soul — order Brucato Orchards Amaro from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.