Edgy new drinks business Spirito Santo has released six liqueurs into the Australian market, which founder John Retsas says is “creating space and noise for something distinctively new”.
The range includes Climax Limoncello, Siropo Amaro, Bomba Grappa, Radical Roza Pink Limoncello, Roman Aromatic Bitters and Ruby Rosso Aperitif Bitters.
“Each is handmade with fresh local ingredients, bringing Barossa relevance to European recipes,” says John, who also owns First Drop Wines in the Barossa.
“While there is no denying the grungy modernity of the brand, the Spirito Santo secret recipes are born from European heritage, with liqueurs inspired by ancient remedies and elixirs made by healers of the day, monks and witch doctors throughout Asia, Arabia, Europe and Africa.”
John says Spirito Santo is a nod to the old-school Europeans who drank liquors for medicinal reasons, but is firmly designed for the third generation who enjoy life more underground.
“We have deliberately positioned Spirito Santo as a secretive, ancient and mysterious elixir with a grungy and modern edge,” he says.
“I love that there is something holy and spiritual around these spirits, and they are part of many diverse cultures.”
John says the spirits reflect his European heritage and that it is a natural progression for him to make liqueurs that speak of his culture in winemaking and spirit production.
“I have been making these spirits for many years, learning as a kid from my grandparents in Greece and now, more recently, at home in Australia,” he says.
“I love that these recipes are secret and handed down to trusted family members, from generation to generation.”
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