Ingredients
Seventeen botanicals infused and blended by a house that has spent a century distilling grappa from Langhe and Roero pomace. Honey does much of the sweetening, and the result sits in the middle of the category — bitter enough to be interesting, soft enough to drink without ceremony.
- ✦Honey
- ✦Gentian root
- ✦Rhubarb
- ✦Bitter orange peel
- ✦Mint
- ✦Cinnamon
- ✦Cloves
- ✦Cardamom
- ✦Chamomile
- ✦Licorice
History of the Brand
Distilleria Sibona was founded in Piobesi d'Alba in 1902 and is one of the last independent grappa producers in Piedmont, working with pomace from Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo and Moscato.
The house built its reputation on single-varietal and barrel-aged grappa long before its amaro reached export markets.
The amaro is a comparatively recent expression of that expertise — the distillery applying its infusion and blending experience to a bittersweet liqueur rather than a grape spirit.
It landed in the US alongside the wave of small Piedmontese producers finding American bars, and gets recommended constantly as a well-made amaro that does not cost $50.
Tasting Characteristics
Honey, orange peel, mint and baking spice — cinnamon and clove especially.
Medium-bodied, honey-sweet, then rhubarb and gentian bitterness with a cool mint thread.
Medium, warm-spiced, drying gently.
Flavor meter
How to serve it
- 01Neat after dinner, room temperature.
- 02Over a large cube with an orange twist.
- 03In a Toronto in place of Fernet for a friendlier version.
- 04Stirred with rye and sweet vermouth for a Piedmontese Black Manhattan.
- 05With soda and lemon as an all-afternoon highball.
Where to Get It
Growing US and European distribution through specialty importers. Priced in the middle of the category and usually good value for what it is.
Specialty bottle shops
Shops with a Piedmont or grappa selection; roughly $30–$36.
Online spirits retailers
Increasingly listed, often next to Sibona's grappas.
Italy
Easy to find across Piedmont and at the distillery in Piobesi d'Alba.
Affiliate buying links coming soon.
Amaro Sibona FAQ
What is Amaro Sibona?
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A Piedmontese amaro from Distilleria Sibona in Piobesi d'Alba, a grappa house founded in 1902. It uses 17 botanicals, is sweetened with honey and is bottled at 28% ABV.
What does Amaro Sibona taste like?
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Honey and orange peel with cinnamon and clove warmth, a cool mint thread, and a moderate rhubarb-gentian bitterness on a medium body.
Is Amaro Sibona the same as Amaro Sibilla?
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No. Sibona is from Piedmont at 28% ABV; Sibilla is from the Marche, made by Varnelli, at 34% ABV and considerably more bitter and smoky. The similar names cause constant confusion.
How should I drink Amaro Sibona?
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Neat or over one large cube after dinner, or in a stirred whiskey cocktail such as a Toronto or Black Manhattan.
Is Amaro Sibona good value?
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Yes — it sits around $30–$36, well below the artisanal honey amari it resembles, and it is well made enough to sip neat.