Tosolini Saliza Amaretto 70cl
Tosolini Saliza Amaretto 70cl

Tosolini

Tosolini Saliza Amaretto 70cl

£29.99
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  • Details

    Amaretto takes its name from the Italian word ‘amaro’, meaning ‘bitter’, with the suffix ‘-etto’ to then expand to ‘a little bitter’. Commonly described as an almond liqueur, most amaretto brands don’t actually use almonds, instead using oil from apricot kernels alongside burnt sugar caramel and a variety of spices for the bulk of the flavour – although almonds are indeed sometimes used. Why? Because while the flavour profile is extremely similar, the costs of production are MUCH lower when using apricot kernels as almonds themselves are pretty damn expensive.

    The history and creation of Amaretto is muddied by the claims of two families. Legend has it that Amaretto was created by a model of the artist Bernardino Luini, a former pupil of Leonardo da Vinci, who was commissioned by the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie in the Northern city of Saronno in 1525. His fresco ‘The Adoration of the Magi’ included an image of the Madonna of the Miracles, and Bernardino used a young innkeeper who was widowed as his model. As thanks for being his model she gave him a gift of an amber liqueur made by steeping apricot kernels in brandy – possibly as a potion to make him fall in love with her, as they became lovers and eventually married.

    A century later, Giovanni Reina discovered the original recipe for the liqueur, and passed the secret formula down through generations of the Reina family, until Domenico Reina produced it on a larger scale, selling it from his grocery store in the centre of Saronno at the start of the 20th century – the Reina family continue to run the parent company for what is now known as DiSaronno Originale.

    However, the Lazzaroni family strongly dispute this legend, instead claiming the liqueur was actually created by them in 1851 when they macerated their almond flavoured cookies in a base spirit to create a sweet liquid – a process they continue to do to this day.

    Apricot kernels contain poisonous hydrogen cyanide compounds so the pits are steeped in alcohol to draw out the flavourful oils without also extracting the toxic elements, with cold pressing occuring to protect the oil from heat and maintaining its quality. Botanicals such as vanilla and sweet spices are added to the liquid to add complexity, and burnt sugar caramel increases the sweet notes and add colour.

    Bepi Tosolini is named after Giuseppe Tosolini, who in 1943 began to distil high quality grappa, a spirit which had previously been treated as a crude, rough spirit distilled from the leftover waste of winemaking. Now in the third generation of family ownership and based near the Slovenian border, Tosolini has expanded to produce a wide range of grappas, brandies and liqueurs.

    Saliza is named after a small alleyway in Venice near Piazza San Marco where there rests a red stone in the shape of a heart – legend has it that when lovers touch they will remain in love forever.

    The Amaretto liqueur made from crushed almonds infused in alcohol and redistilled, before more base alcohol, sugar and caramel are incorporated, with a small amount of Tosolini’s own aged brandy being added to increase depth and complexity. It’s quite frankly the best Amaretto liqueur I've ever come across, with a rich texture and soft almond notes. Find out more here:


  • Delivery & Returns

    Delivery charges:

    Shipping rates are based on WEIGHT of goods - the total weight of your order will determine the cost of the shipping charge due to price banding imposed by the carriers we use.

    Please note due to our opening times goods ordered on a Saturday may result in a delayed arrival. Goods ordered on a Sunday or Monday will be shipped from the store on the Tuesday immediately following - please bear this in mind if you have a deadline.

    DUE TO ONGOING ISSUES WITH BREXIT AND COURIERS UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE CURRENTLY UNABLE TO SHIP OUTSIDE OF THE UK

    48 Hour Delivery uses the Tracked 48 service from Royal Mail, which provides a Tracking Number for you to follow its journey to your destination.

    Next Day Delivery uses DHL services, a tracking number will also be supplied to allow you to follow its journey.

    Items are NOT insured as standard, please contact us if you would like to discuss additional insurance for premium products.

    All products are securely packaged in Air-Shock bottle bags or excessive amount of bubble wrap for additional protection.

    All goods must be examined at the time of delivery and any damages or shortage must be recorded on the relevant delivery acceptance forms with the delivery. Un-examined or un-checked goods that result in a subsequent claim outside of a 48 hour period will not be accepted. Queries relating to claims must be made within 48 hours of receiving the goods, otherwise claims cannot be guaranteed.

    RETURNS / EXCHANGES POLICY

    The Spirit Specialist offers EXCHANGES ONLY on unwanted items to an equal amount. Refunds will not be given, cash differences in favour of the purchaser in the case of an exchange will also not be provided.

    Your statutory rights are not affected.