Inspired by the traditional Italian aperitivo, Ash Sutherland and Fern Beavis have created an amaro that steps away from the classic European herbs and spices and concentrates on native Australian botanicals that are grown nearby their Melbourne distillery. The result is a complex and nostalgic aperitivo evocative of the Australian bush; here’s Sutherland with the particulars.
What makes your amaro different and/or special?
Amaro is a classic Italian bittersweet aperitivo enjoyed before dinner to stimulate the appetite. Some of the most glorious amari to come out of Italy follow century-old recipes that combine dozens of spices and herbs to create exceptionally complex and bitter drinks. We were inspired by this formula, but we wanted to create a modern and fresh amaro that used locally grown ingredients to really highlight the complexity and beauty of the botanicals that are native to Australia.
When we were developing our amaro, we wanted to layer the botanicals so that there was a really interesting sequence of flavours unfolding on the palate. As you take a sip of our amaro, you’ll taste a forward sweetness, followed by a deep earthy bitterness and then bursts of anise myrtle, cinnamon myrtle and lemon-scented gum. The finale is a lingering heat and spiciness from mountain pepper.
Who are you and what are you all about?
Autonomy Distillers produces a sustainable and eclectic range of bitter aperitivi and liqueurs. Founded in 2019 by Ash Sutherland, an environmental scientist, and Fern Beavis, a geochemist, the distillery has a strong focus on sustainable manufacturing processes, using locally sourced ingredients and sustainably farmed native Australian botanicals.
One of the cornerstones of our distillery is our partnership with local juice company, Market Juice, to collect citrus peels from the fruit that has already been processed for juice. As the peels are exactly what is required for our products, we prefer to use the term “not-yet-end-of-life product” to describe the peel as a necessary ingredient rather than a waste product. The use of this product has allowed Autonomy to avoid creating significant volumes of citrus pulp waste, while repurposing the peel left over from the juicing process.
How do you make it?
Our amaro is made using predominantly native Australian botanicals in their natural and whole form – leaves, berries, fruits and seeds, and a hefty dose of citrus zest, too. These botanicals are either distilled, or gently and slowly macerated in a neutral spirit to ensure the flavours of each ingredient are as pure, bright and fresh as possible.
The botanicals for the amaro are sourced from within 200km of Melbourne where we are based, making it a truly Victorian amaro.
What excites you about this project?
Unlike other categories of spirits, amaro follows no rules, except it needs to have some bitterness to it! While Autonomy’s amaro sits right in the middle in terms of bitterness and sweetness, creating the layers of flavours is a really exciting part of developing our amaro – and also drinking it. Our amaro is made throughout the year, and as we use fresh produce, there is a significant amount of seasonal variation, which means with every batch there is endless room for experimentation.
What are the perfect conditions to enjoy Autonomy?
Amaro is synonymous with aperitivo, and that feeling of excitement that comes with that glorious hour or two at the end of a long day when you can relax with a drink and a little bite of something.
Our idea of a good aperitivo hour is sitting down with good friends on a balmy evening just as the sun is about to set, with a generous pour of amaro in a beautiful amaro glass and a simple little banderilla on the side: marinated white anchovies, pickled green peppers, cornichons, baby pickled onions and parsley skewered on a toothpick.
Is this here for a good time or a long time?
Our amaro is constantly evolving and adapting to the seasonality of products and the interests and tastes of our customers, so we hope to keep on pouring this beauty (or iterations of it) for as long as it is being enjoyed.
Where can I buy it?
Autonomy Amaro is available through Mind Spirits & Co, direct from autonomydistillers.com.au, and from big name and boutique bottle shops (check out our website for a list of current retailers), as well as bars and restaurants right across the country.