Umami Mia!

A mushroom liqueur? Calabro has come up with a fall favorite.

Andrea Melis at the bar 

Autumn is all about foliage, chestnuts and Porcini mushrooms. How about a cocktail featuring this fungus?

In Calabria's Sila region, known for its clean air and vast mountainous plateau, a rare and remarkable liqueur is produced: Porcino Calabro. Made from the prized Porcino Testanera mushrooms, this unique elixir is crafted through a meticulous process of macerating porcini mushrooms harvested in spring and autumn from Sila’s slopes. The mushrooms are collected at their peak ripeness, when their aroma is most intense. Harvesting requires expert foragers who understand the region’s complex soil, climate, and vegetation, as mushroom ripening varies by season.

Porcini mushrooms in their natural habitat

Porcino Calabro liqueur is made exclusively from Sila porcini mushrooms, with no artificial flavorings or colorings, resulting in a pure, earthy taste. It’s an excellent aperitif and a standout ingredient in whiskey-based cocktails like the Manhattan or Old Fashioned. In the kitchen, it elevates dishes like braised meats, scallops, and risottos, enhancing the rich, umami notes of mushrooms. It’s origin is of special note. Sila is home to the towering 350-year-old larch pines known as the Giants of Sila, showcasing both nature’s beauty and this one-of-a-kind culinary treasure growing wild on the forest floor.

Sara from Al Querto Bar in Bassano del Grappa

A porcino Manhattan by Al Querto

A few questions for the maker

Your full name? Roberto Maiorano

How many years has the company been in existence? The liqueur company for 10 years, the agricultural company since 1800

Where did the idea of creating a porcini mushroom liqueur come from? My great-grandmother already made it

How many products are in your line? We have 33 products

How do you like to drink porcini liqueur? I love it during meals or in a cocktail with whiskey

      The Ward 18 Cocktail 

WARD 18 COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS

Copperhead Gin Gibson Edition

De Borgen Old Style Genever

Calabro Porcini Liqueur

Adnam's Orange & Ale Jam

20 y.o. sherry vinegar

Freshly squeezed tangerine juice



Tasting notes

  • Appearance: Clear with bright golden hues

  • Nose: Distinct porcini mushroom aroma

  • Taste: sweet with earthy notes

  • Serving suggestions: with whisky based cocktails, also pairs well with mezcal, or in cooking, such as braised meats or in a porcini risotto

  • Producer Calabro Beverage

  • Distributor Tek Bar - Ferro Distribution

  • Country Italy

  • Alcohol content 30%

  • Bottle size 50 cl

Links / Thanks :

Calabro Beverage sent me a sample

Federico Patalossi introduced me to the product

Ai Do Leoni Bar Venice tried the product forthe first time

Al Querto Bar Bassano del Grappa made me a cocktail

Tek Bar distributor

Ferro Beverage distributor

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