We are honored to have a reunion with Samaroli, our last encounter with this legendary independent bottler from Italy was a decade ago in May 2014. Founded in Rome in 1968, the brand has built a solid reputation for selecting the best casks. Founder Silvano Samaroli intended to bottle Scotch the way he thought certain brands should taste like. To understand the significance of Samaroli, one must delve into its rich history. Samaroli is the first non-British, non-Scottish independent bottler of whisky. To start the night, there will be appetizers and a welcome punch sponsored by LAIE vermouth.

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line-up:

1. Samaroli Apprentice

2. Samaroli Architectus

3. Samaroli Ardenistle

4. Samaroli Linkwood 2008

5. Bowmore 2001

6. Samaroli Samba

7. Jamaica Rhapsody

8. Nicaragua 2004

+ #SecretStash

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about the brand:

SAMAROLI IS AN ENIGMA. IT IS THE FIRST NON-BRITISH, NON-SCOTTISH INDEPENDENT BOTTLER IN HISTORY. IT IS ITALIAN. AND IT IS ITALIAN FOR A REASON.

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In the 1960s a handful of Italians carved out their own unique relationship to the heralded distillate of Scotland. Samaroli came to prominence by sourcing single malts when the value of these products had plummeted in the UK in the wake of World War II. Italians had no prior relationship to Scotch, and they approached it without regard to the rules—they did not know them. As a result, the Italian take on whisky is one of a kind. It is sprezzatura; it is punk.

 

Today, single malts are ubiquitous and single casks are coveted. It is easy to forget how influential Silvano Samaroli was. He was more than a pioneer, he was an iconoclast. Single malts were once confined to domestic consumption. Samaroli brought these treasures to an international audience. Just as he bottled single-casks at cask strength before it was en vogue, once his novel approach found its place in the commercial sphere, he moved on, focusing on blends and lower proof bottlings, again bringing new color to the world.

 

Today the spirit of Silvano lives on in Samaroli. His wanderlust is in the company’s DNA. Samaroli is one of the most influential independent bottlers in history, still walking that line between the elegant and the avant-garde. Samaroli honors this legacy by continuing the search for the unexpected and unexplored. Whether you choose to walk a path paved by others or find your own, take comfort knowing all roads lead to Rome. [link]

 

 

about our special guests:

Antonio Bleve, Company Director and Master Blender of Samaroli

In 2008 Antonio Bleve, who had been collaborating with Samaroli for many years, took charge as Samaroli’s master blender and CEO. An admirer of the company's philosophy, Bleve continues to create unique products to the standards of excellence set by his predecessors. Bleve also has a passion for blending the flavours of mature spirits with that of the power of young ones, with the aim of rebuilding the soul of the spirit but in keeping with the philosophy of aging. [link]

 

Chris Bittner, Founder @ Spaghetti Western Imports

Chris Bittner is the founder of Spaghetti Western Imports, a boutique import company with a focus on independent bottlers and rum. Prior to this venture, Chris represented the legendary bottler Samaroli in the US and Asia, and then an importer's small spirits book in the US. Like many others in this industry, Chris cut his teeth behind the bar where he fell in love with spirits and those who make them. [link]

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note:

• Please bring your own Glencairn(s) to the tasting, the club will NOT be providing glassware.

• Rideshare, public transportation, or designated driver is strongly encouraged.

• Please review our FAQs for any questions + information [link]

 

 

Big thanks to Kamil Majer and Chris Bittner for making this special reunion happen!