Distilleria Varnelli L'Anice Secco Speciale Mistra Liqueur, Marche, Italy

Distilleria Varnelli L'Anice Secco Speciale Mistrà Liqueur is an icon of Italian tradition—powerful, dry, and uncompromisingly authentic. Revered since 1950 when it was awarded “Best Italian Dry Anise,” this spirit from the heart of the Marche region sets itself apart from Mediterranean aniseed drinks by eschewing sweetness in favor of purity and depth. A single sip of this crystal-clear liqueur is often enough to make a lasting impression.

Product Details:

• Producer: Distilleria Varnelli
• Country: Italy
• Region: Marche (Sibillini Mountains)
• Spirit Type: Dry Anise Liqueur (Mistrà)
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 46%
• Ingredients: Natural botanicals including aniseed, wild fennel, dill, and cumin
• Production: Made from carefully selected herbs and botanicals, this liqueur is produced using time-honored methods that include secret family techniques, personally overseen by members of the Varnelli family. The final product is bottled at full strength without added sugar.

Sensory Description:

Brilliantly clear and transparent with bluish reflections, Varnelli Anice Secco begins with a bold aromatic profile—intense aniseed rises first, followed by layers of wild fennel, dill, and subtle cumin, accented with floral undertones. On the palate, it is dry, full-bodied, and enveloping, echoing its powerful bouquet. A touch of cucumber joins the fennel and anise on the finish, which is harmonious, persistent, and strikingly refined.

Awards & Accolades:

• Best Italian Dry Anise: 1950 (historic recognition)

Producer’s Background:

Founded in 1868 by herbalist Girolamo Varnelli, Distilleria Varnelli has operated continuously for over 150 years in the lush Marche countryside. Known for combining artisanal processes with family-kept secrets, the distillery has grown into a benchmark for excellence in Italian spirits. Today, it remains proudly independent and family-run, led by the fourth generation of Varnelli women, who blend tradition with innovation in a facility built in harmony with the natural surroundings of Muccia. Each Varnelli spirit is a reflection of dedication to territory, authenticity, and meticulous quality.

Serving Suggestions:

• Neat: Enjoy as a digestif, sipped slowly to appreciate its dry clarity and botanical depth.
• Classic Italian Style: Add a few drops to espresso for a traditional caffè corretto.
• Cocktail – The Virtuoso:
  • Ingredients: ¼ oz Varnelli Anice Secco, 1 dash cinnamon tincture, 1½ oz Rhum Vieux Agricole, 1½ oz Pineau de Charente, 1 dash bitters
  • Method: Stir all ingredients with ice, strain into a tumbler over an ice sphere.
  • Garnish: Star anise pod and half a dried fig, expressed with orange peel oils
  • Glass: Old-fashioned glass

Why Choose Distilleria Varnelli L'Anice Secco Speciale?
This isn’t just an anise liqueur—it’s a legacy in a bottle. Varnelli’s L’Anice Secco is a purist’s dream: bold, dry, and steeped in centuries of herbal knowledge. Whether enjoyed straight, used to add clarity to espresso, or mixed into a fine cocktail, its unmistakable flavor and artisanal pedigree make it a standout spirit for those who appreciate complexity, history, and enduring Italian character.