Angelo Molinari loved anise, a Chinese spice that had infiltrated the Italian market in the 1940s. A bar owner, Molinari naturally decided to experiment with his favourite spice and thus, Sambuca was born. This trifecta of Chinese star anise oil, European sugar and the best grain alcohol Italian wheat can provide, quickly captivated Molinari’s hometown of Civitavecchia. In 1945, Molinari opened his first plant to produce enough Sambuca to delight the world.
Molinari Sambuca Extra is the top-selling brand today and is the only Sambuca to be officially designated as “Extra” by the Italian government. The recipe is highly guarded, given to just one family member each generation—though after Marcelo Molinari was kidnapped in 1982, the family decided it might be best to keep an extra copy of the recipe in a vault. Sambuca lovers everywhere can rest assured the distinct flavours of Molinari will not be lost.
Taste Molinari’s prized experiment thought to be the best Sambuca in the world.
Molinari Extra is an intense sweet spirit made with star anise. It is obtained by steam distilling star anise seeds and gradually adding alcohol, sugar, fine natural herbs and spices. The extra quality of the ingredients and its special recipe, which is still a Molinari family secret, are key to creating a premium spirit characterised by an intense and truly unique taste. It is a clean and sweet Sambuca with an aftertaste of pure unadulterated aniseed.
Taste:
Sweet liquorice and fennel, zesty lemon spritz, clean anise with a lasting finish.
Taste:
A unique blend of coffee and anise. Roasted coffee bean, anise, dry fennel seed and cocoa.
