Amaro—the Italian word for “bitter”—refers to a category of aromatic, herbal, or bittersweet liqueurs that are typically enjoyed as after-meal digestifs. And while “amaro” captures the essence of this liqueur’s bitter profile, it hardly does justice to its depth and variety. Initially, the ingredients in making amaro were chosen in part for their medicinal properties, which contribute to the liqueur’s role as a digestif. This practice dates back to ancient times when herbal elixirs were consumed for their proposed health benefits. Each amaro is a unique expression of its region’s natural bounty and cultural heritage, created by blending barks, herbs, roots, citrus peels, and flowers with a neutral spirit or wine before sweetening the mixture and allowing it to age for a balanced, complex flavor. Showcasing regional Italian ingredients and created with the essence of Italian hospitality, a good amaro is meant to be savored with family and friends.

One exceptional such liqueur, See the Elephant Amaro, hails from the picturesque Cilento Coast of Southern Italy “within sight of the Mediterranean sea and the ancient Grecco-Roman city of Paestum with its temples dedicated to Herra, Athena, and Poseidon, the distillery sits at the nexus of modern Italy and its origins.” Launched by Kyle Harder in 2021, this rucola-style amaro has won awards, been featured at Charleston Wine + Food events, and used in cocktail classes across the Lowcountry. When asked how Harder came up with the name, he cited his experiences in Italy as the inspiration.

“The story of See the Elephant refers back to the early 1800’s when the very first elephant was being shown in the United States. The elephant was in New York City and people from far and wide were traveling to see this amazing creature for the first time with their own eyes. Back then the primary form of widespread communication and news was a newspaper. Journalists were interviewing folks who were either planning to go or had gone to “see the elephant” so this phrase was being repeated in the news across the country. It’s come to represent whenever you go out into the world to experience something first hand you would say you’re going to “see the elephant.” For me, my journey through Italy to taste the world’s most amazing amari was my journey to “see the elephant” which is why I chose it as the brand name.”

See the Elephant Amaro is crafted using locally sourced ingredients, honoring the rich agricultural heritage of the Cilento region. The distillery’s proximity to the sea and ancient ruins infuses the Amaro with a unique character, drawing on the region’s natural bounty and storied past. The blend of barks, herbs, roots, citrus peels, and flowers is meticulously balanced, resulting in a liqueur that is both complex and harmonious.

Enjoying a glass of See the Elephant Amaro isn’t just about savoring a drink; it’s about experiencing a piece of Italian culture and history. The liqueur’s deep, layered flavors invite you to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition that go into every bottle. When shared with family and friends, See the Elephant Amaro offers a connection to the timeless rituals and flavors of Italy, bringing a touch of the Cilento Coast to every sip.