Meletti Sambuca, Italy

A sip of Meletti Sambuca is a passage through time, capturing over 150 years of Italian distilling tradition in one velvety pour. This anise-forward liqueur hails from the Meletti family in the lush Le Marche region, where meticulous craftsmanship and a deep respect for natural ingredients have shaped its iconic profile. Unlike many sambucas on the market, Meletti’s stands apart with a delicate floral complexity, thanks to an infusion of elderflower (Sambucus), lending it a nuanced, aromatic sweetness. Whether served neat as a classic digestif or swirled into an inventive cocktail, this is a bottle that belongs in any well-curated home bar.

Product Details

• Type: Sambuca
• Region: Le Marche, Italy
• ABV: 42% (84 Proof)
• Production: Crafted using a slow bain-marie distillation, ensuring a smooth, aromatic spirit. Features a cold infusion of elderberry fruit and an extended resting period (9-12 months in stainless steel) for added depth and elegance.
• Sustainability: Ingredients sourced from local growers in Le Marche, maintaining long-standing relationships with small-scale farmers.

Sensory Description

On the nose, expect an intoxicating burst of sweet black licorice, complemented by delicate elderflower and a whisper of Mediterranean herbs. The palate is rich and velvety, unfolding layers of warm anise, vanilla bean, and a touch of citrus zest. A lingering, silky finish coats the tongue with hints of fennel and spice, making each sip an experience in refinement.

Distiller’s Background

Since 1870, the Meletti family has perfected the art of fine liqueur-making, gaining a royal patent in 1879 that cemented their reputation for quality. Silvio Meletti’s innovative use of bain-marie distillation—a method allowing for slow, controlled evaporation—produces sambuca with exceptional aromatic intensity. Now in its fifth generation of family leadership, Meletti remains committed to tradition, sourcing the finest local botanicals and continuing their legacy of limited-production, artisanal Italian liqueurs.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Enjoy neat as a digestif or with three floating coffee beans for the traditional Italian "Sambuca con la Mosca" ritual, symbolizing health, happiness, and prosperity.
• Cocktail Pairing: Try it in the Spring Thaw, a refreshing cocktail blending 1.5 oz gin, ¼ oz Meletti Sambuca, and ¼ oz elderflower liqueur, topped with LaLuca Prosecco. Stir ingredients with ice, strain into a flute, and enjoy.
• Coffee Companion: Add a splash to espresso for a bold, aromatic kick.