Caffo Vecchio Amaro del Capo Amaro 750ml
DescriptionDiscover the bitter soul of Calabria with Caffo's iconic Vecchio Amaro del Capo, the digestif that has become synonymous with southern Italian hospitality. This historic amaro captures the wild herbs of Calabria's mountains in a bottle, creating a bitter liqueur that balances intensity with approachability. For those exploring authentic regional amari or seeking a versatile bitter for both sipping and mixing, del Capo delivers generations of tradition in every pour.
The story of Vecchio Amaro del Capo reflects Calabria's herbal heritage. Local herbs gathered from the Pollino mountains form the backbone—wild mint, licorice, chamomile, and juniper among nearly thirty botanicals. The 'Vecchio' (old) designation honors traditional recipes passed through generations. Production follows time-honored methods: separate maceration of each herb to optimize extraction, careful blending to achieve perfect balance, and patient aging that allows flavors to marry. The result captures Calabria's essence—sun-baked herbs, mountain wildness, and Mediterranean warmth—in liquid form.
Tasting del Capo reveals why it's become Calabria's liquid ambassador. The dark amber color promises complexity within. The nose combines intense herbs with citrus brightness and underlying bitterness. On the palate, initial sweetness quickly yields to complex bitter-sweet interplay. Mint provides cooling freshness while licorice adds depth. Citrus notes—both peel and juice—brighten the herbs while preventing heaviness. The bitterness is pronounced but approachable, cleansing rather than aggressive. Mid-palate reveals remarkable complexity: chamomile softness, juniper's piney note, and dozens of herbs creating layers of flavor. The texture is medium-bodied, coating the palate without syrupiness. The finish extends with balanced bitter-sweet notes and cooling herbs. Traditionally served ice-cold as digestif (Calabrians keep it in the freezer), del Capo also creates exceptional cocktails. Its versatility and quality have made it Italy's best-selling amaro—proof that regional traditions can achieve national success.
