Asterley Bros has reimagined the classic Italian Amaro with a British twist, creating a unique spirit called DISPENSE Amaro.
- What is it? A modern take on Amaro, made in South London, blending a Sicilian family recipe with British botanicals.
- Key Features: Crafted from 24 botanicals, small-batch production, priced at £31.95 for 500ml.
- How to Enjoy: Perfect as an aperitivo with tonic, in cocktails like a Negroni, or neat as a digestif.
- Other Products: Includes ESTATE Sweet Vermouth (£26.95) and ASTERLEY ORIGINAL Aperitivo (£20.95).
Asterley Bros combines tradition and modernity, offering a "Modern British Amaro" that stands out for its balance of heritage and innovation.
Origins of DISPENSE Amaro
The story of DISPENSE Amaro begins with a Sicilian amaro recipe that came into the family in 2009. This blend of Italian tradition and British creativity forms the core of DISPENSE Amaro's identity.
Sicilian Family Recipes
That recipe became the starting point for the brothers' own amaro-making, and it remains the foundation of DISPENSE Amaro today.
British Ingredients and Methods
Taking inspiration from that Sicilian recipe, the brothers reworked it with British hedgerow botanicals, drawing on Culpeper's 1653 London Dispensatory. The aim was a new type of amaro, a 'Modern British Amaro', developed under the Asterley Bros brand.
This approach reinterprets a classic spirit through a modern British perspective. By blending Sicilian tradition with British botanicals, Rob and Jim Berry have created a drink that honours its heritage while taking amaro in an exciting new direction.
Making DISPENSE Amaro
Asterley Bros brings together a Sicilian family recipe and modern British craftsmanship to create DISPENSE Amaro.
24 Botanical Blend
DISPENSE Amaro is crafted using a blend of 24 botanicals, including gentian, English hops, wormwood, orange and vanilla, each adding a unique element to its flavour. This carefully chosen combination highlights the brothers' dedication to creating a modern British take on amaro. These botanicals form the foundation of a production process that balances tradition with a fresh approach.
Production Methods
Every batch of DISPENSE Amaro is produced at their South London production space, where the process is handled with care and precision. The botanicals are macerated cold in 75% ABV spirit for 28 days, then blended with English Pinot Noir, and the finished amaro is bottled at 26% ABV. It is available for £31.95 per 500ml bottle.
Asterley Bros delivers a distinctly British spin on the classic Italian amaro, blending heritage with a modern touch.
Serving DISPENSE Amaro
DISPENSE Amaro stands out for its flexibility, making it a great choice for a variety of drinking occasions.
Before Dinner
Try DISPENSE Amaro as an aperitivo: mix 50ml with tonic water over ice and add an orange slice. This take on the Italian aperitivo tradition blends its botanical complexity with a balanced, easy-to-enjoy flavour.
Cocktail Ideas
DISPENSE Amaro's depth makes it a fantastic addition to cocktails, and amaro cocktails are part of the Asterley Bros Introduction to Amaro masterclass. Here are two recipes to try:
-
Modern British Negroni
- 30ml ESTATE Sweet Vermouth
- 30ml DISPENSE Amaro
- 30ml London Dry Gin
- Garnish: Orange twist
-
London Boulevardier
- 45ml Bourbon
- 30ml DISPENSE Amaro
- 30ml ESTATE Sweet Vermouth
- Garnish: Cherry
Whether mixed into cocktails or enjoyed on its own, DISPENSE Amaro fits seamlessly into any setting.
After Dinner
As a digestif, DISPENSE Amaro reveals its full character when served neat or over a large ice cube. Serve it slightly chilled (around 10°C) to highlight its 24 botanical ingredients. And if Negronis are your drink, the Asterley Bros Negroni Society brings a new Negroni recipe every month.
Asterley Bros Product Range
Asterley Bros takes the craftsmanship behind their DISPENSE Amaro and applies it to a wider range of drinks. They specialise in creating botanical drinks that merge classic Italian styles with modern British techniques. Their main line-up includes DISPENSE Amaro (£31.95), ESTATE Sweet Vermouth (£26.95), and ASTERLEY ORIGINAL Aperitivo (£20.95).
Member Programmes and Classes
Asterley Bros offers programmes that bring their drinks to life. The Negroni Society, their members' club, delivers straight to your door for £14.50 a month plus postage: a new Negroni recipe every month, crafted by the best bars and bartenders, with two Negronis in each delivery.
For those who want a deeper dive, the Welcome to Vermouth masterclass (£59.50) at their South London production space features:
- A tasting of the full range
- Aperitivo cocktails
- Nibbles and a look behind the scenes
- A bottle of English vermouth to take home (RRP £26.95)
Small-Batch Production
Brothers Rob and Jim Berry are dedicated to small-batch production at their South London facility. The DISPENSE Amaro, their signature product, is based on a Sicilian recipe that came into the family in 2009. They’ve reworked it with British hedgerow botanicals while respecting its Italian roots.
Every batch is carefully crafted, with the brothers overseeing everything from selecting botanicals to bottling. This hands-on approach ensures their spirits retain the personal touch and quality that set Asterley Bros apart.
Conclusion
Asterley Bros has reshaped the idea of an English Amaro by combining Italian heritage with a British twist. At the centre of their journey is a treasured Sicilian family recipe.
DISPENSE Amaro (£31.95) takes the classic Italian digestif and gives it a British identity. Made in small batches in South London, it balances tradition with modern flavours, creating what they call a "Modern British Amaro."