St. George Spirits, Bruto Americano NV (750ml)

Ready for a bigger, better, bitterer bar? Say hello to Bruto Americano! With a bracing dose of bitterness, a bright pop of citrus, and intriguing sylvan notes inspired by distiller Lance Winters’ formative experiences growing up in California in the 1970s, Bruto is a bitter aperitivo liqueur that makes us as proud as it does thirsty.

Bruto is made from a variety of herbs, roots, and other botanicals. Though the exact number of ingredients and formulation are proprietary, we will say that the bitterness comes primarily from gentian root; the citrus notes mostly from California-grown Seville orange; and the woodsy notes from balsam fir and Cascara sagrada (bark from the California buckthorn).

THE PROCESS

Some ingredients are hot-steeped, others are cold-infused. The resulting mixture is filtered and then colored in the traditional manner with cochineal to achieve a natural ruby red hue.

THE EXPERIENCE

Vibrant citrus, with notes of cinnamon, sandalwood, and forest on the nose. Initial palate entry is bitter, followed by a woodsy mid-palate and lingering bitter/citrus finish.

Bruto and Soda is a brilliant session drink. Also recommended in a Negroni, Boulevardier, Americano, and in various Spritzes. Check out some of our favorite Bruto recipes here.

ABOUT THE LABEL

Inspired by Italian modernism, the label was a collaboration between master distiller Lance Winters, head distiller Dave Smith, and bartender/graphic designer Brandon Josie.