Overview: In a state known for its desert landscapes and hot summers, a new wave of artisanal spirits is rising to prominence. With its unique terroir and innovative producers, Arizona is becoming a hub for craft distilleries and liqueur makers.
The Full Story
Cultivaro Amaro, the latest creation from Suncliffe Gin founders Ryan Lawrence and Thomas Giddings, is a masterclass in regional sourcing. The amaro’s botanicals are sourced from across Arizona, with ingredients such as nopales from Tucson, Seville orange peels from Arcadia, toasted pecans from Holy Trinity Monastery in St. David, and ponderosa pine bark from Flagstaff.
The duo’s inspiration for Cultivaro came during a trip to Italy several years ago, where they fell in love with the regionally sourced botanicals used to make amaro. “We were struck by how deeply regional it felt,” Giddings says. “Every producer was telling the story of their landscape through local ingredients.”
Returning home, Lawrence and Giddings set out to capture Arizona’s essence in a bottle. They spent months selecting the perfect combination of botanicals, carefully balancing sweetness and bitterness to create a truly unique spirit.
Production & Profile
Cultivaro Amaro is made using non-GMO corn-grain alcohol as its base ingredient, which undergoes maceration for 2-4 weeks depending on the specific botanical. This process allows each individual component to shine through in the final product.
The amaro’s flavor profile is a rich but balanced blend of bitter and sweet notes, reminiscent of medium-strength amaro classics such as Montenegro, yet with its own distinct character.
Brand & Industry History
Suncliffe Gin was launched during the pandemic in 2020, marking a significant milestone for Arizona’s craft spirits industry. The gin itself is made using handpicked Sedona juniper berries and has quickly gained a loyal following among cocktail enthusiasts.
Cultivaro Amaro represents an exciting new chapter for Suncliffe and the broader Arizona spirit scene. By emphasizing regional sourcing and innovative production methods, these distilleries are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in craft spirits.
What This Means
The success of Cultivaro Amaro signals a shift towards greater emphasis on terroir-driven spirits in Arizona. As consumers become increasingly aware of the importance of regional sourcing and sustainable practices, artisanal distilleries like Suncliffe are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
Moreover, the growing recognition of Arizona’s unique spirit scene will undoubtedly attract new visitors to the state, creating a ripple effect that benefits local businesses and communities alike.
Consumer Takeaway
Cultivaro Amaro is more than just an innovative spirit – it’s an experience. Whether enjoyed neat or used as a key component in craft cocktails, this amaro offers a genuine taste of Arizona’s terroir that will leave you wanting to explore further.
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