Antico Amaro di Serravalle
The history of the Inga family is a storied lineage of craftsmanship, rooted in a tradition that spans the breadth of Italy. At the heart of their heritage lies a precious, hand-written recipe book, a legacy preserved from the days of Lorenzo’s great-grandfather, Gaetano Inga. The family’s journey began in the sun-drenched town of Noto, Sicily, where, since the early 1900s, they managed expansive estates and distilleries dedicated to the production of fine wines, Marsala, and artisanal liqueurs. Seeking to expand his horizons, Gaetano eventually migrated north to Serravalle Scrivia in Piedmont. There, he acquired and meticulously renovated the Gambarotta distillery, transforming it into a beacon of quality that would eventually gain national acclaim for producing the iconic Libarna grappa and the signature Gambarotta bitter.
Within the weathered pages of the family’s ancestral recipe book, one discovery stands out above all others: a medicinal herbal elixir steeped in legend. According to family lore, the formula was originally developed by an observant Capuchin friar during the 1700s, specifically crafted to combat devastating cholera epidemics in India.
This extraordinary elixir is a testament to the art of patience and precision. It is a handcrafted infusion composed of more than 22 distinct herbs, roots, and barks, each meticulously balanced to achieve a perfect harmony. These botanicals are steeped in a mixture of water and alcohol for no less than two months, allowing the complex flavors to marry fully. The result is a remarkably soft, sophisticated digestive liqueur. On the palate, no single ingredient dominates; instead, one experiences a delicate symphony of scents, including vibrant notes of orange, refreshing mint, and earthy rhubarb. Whether enjoyed neat or over ice as a refined aperitif, this historic elixir also offers a touch of culinary indulgence—it is divine drizzled over artisanal ice cream or stirred into a steaming cup of coffee.
