The first black Sambuca, that has spawned many imitators.

The ‘Opal Nera’ name has a legendary backstory, which is as dubious as it is entertaining. The story goes that an Italian noblewoman gave her sailor fiancé the gift of a black opal. Shortly before their wedding, his ship was lost at sea with all hands. For many years she mourned her would-be husband, until a stranger from a distant land appeared with the gift of a mysterious black liqueur. As she drank from the ‘exquisite’ spirit, she noticed the black opal she had given her fiancé all those years ago. The legend spread, as did knowledge of this delicious liqueur.

Opal Nera is made to a secret recipe by the Francoli family of distillers, based in northern Italy. Francoli are the world’s first carbon neutral distillery, and use all natural ingredients to flavour their spirit.

The most prominent flavours in this liqueur are star and green anise, though these are accompanied by botanicals of Sicilian lemons, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, elderflowers, elderberries and orange blossom. Each of these botanicals is infused and distilled separately, to preserve their vivid flavours. Water is sourced from a nearby natural spring.

The final result is a sweet and spicy liqueur with a powerful liquorice note, perfect for drinking cold in shots or after dinner. It is, of course, notable for its deep, dark colour.

At 40% ABV, this is an eminently drinkable liqueur.

• Distillery / brand
  Opal Nera
• Country
  Italy
• Bottler
  Distillery Bottling
• SKU
  034210