Illva Saronno distillery

Introduction to Illva Saronno

A distillery with passion for craft

Illva Saronno is an iconic Italian producer that has masterfully combined traditional craftsmanship with innovative spirit-making for generations. Based in the northern Italian town of Saronno, this prestigious company has built a global reputation for creating exceptional liqueurs and spirits that capture the essence of Italian sophistication and flavor.

While best known for their flagship product Disaronno, Illva Saronno has expanded their portfolio to include a diverse array of premium spirits that showcase their dedication to quality and innovation.

Why we have a keen eye for Illva Saronno

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that create something truly distinctive in both taste and identity. Illva Saronno stands out for their remarkable ability to balance centuries-old Italian tradition with modern production techniques.

Their commitment to using only the finest ingredients, including the bitter almond essence that defines their signature liqueur, creates products with unmistakable character and exceptional quality.

The History Behind Illva Saronno

Origin and development

The story of Illva Saronno begins in 1525, when a Saronno artist was commissioned to paint a fresco of the Madonna in the town’s sanctuary. As a gift of gratitude, his landlady presented him with a flask of amber liqueur made from apricot kernels soaked in brandy, creating what would eventually become Disaronno.

The company as we know it today, Illva Saronno S.p.A., was officially established in 1947 by Domenico Reina. Under his leadership, the company transformed a local specialty into an international sensation, expanding distribution while carefully preserving the original recipe and production methods.

The people behind

Today, Illva Saronno remains a family-owned business, with Augusto Reina having led the company’s global expansion until his passing in 2020. The passionate team behind the brand continues to honor its heritage while embracing innovation, carefully balancing tradition with contemporary market trends.

Their expert blenders and flavor specialists work diligently to maintain the consistent quality and distinctive profile that has made their products beloved across the world.

Craftsmanship and Production

From raw materials to finished product

The production process at Illva Saronno begins with the careful selection of premium ingredients. For their signature Disaronno, they use a secret blend of herbs and fruits, including the essential bitter almond oil that gives the liqueur its distinctive flavor.

While the exact recipe remains confidential, the process involves the infusion of carefully selected botanicals in pure alcohol, followed by blending with caramelized sugar and other natural ingredients to create their signature amber-colored liqueur.

Maturation and storage

Unlike aged spirits that develop in barrels, Illva Saronno’s products typically undergo a different production process. Their liqueurs are crafted through precise blending and infusion techniques, allowing them to achieve their distinctive flavor profiles without extended aging periods.

The company maintains strict quality control throughout production, ensuring that every bottle delivers the consistent experience consumers have come to expect from their premium spirits.

Selected Products from Illva Saronno

Disaronno Original – The signature expression

The flagship product of Illva Saronno, Disaronno Original is a perfect introduction to the house style. With its distinctive almond notes balanced by hints of vanilla, caramelized sugar, and subtle Mediterranean herbs, this amber liqueur offers a smooth, velvety mouthfeel and a delicately sweet finish.

Versatile by nature, it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a key ingredient in countless cocktails, from the classic Godfather to contemporary mixology creations.

The Busker Irish Whiskey – A newer venture

Representing Illva Saronno’s expansion into the whiskey category, The Busker is crafted at the Royal Oak Distillery in Ireland. This range includes Single Grain, Single Malt, Single Pot Still, and Blend expressions, each offering a distinct character while maintaining the smooth, approachable style that defines Irish whiskey.

The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth blend combines all three whiskey styles, matured in bourbon, sherry, and marsala casks – the latter reflecting Illva Saronno’s Italian heritage. Expect notes of vanilla, toffee, light spice, and dried fruits with a remarkably smooth finish.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

While Illva Saronno’s production facilities are not typically open for public tours, the company occasionally participates in special events and industry exhibitions where visitors can learn about their production processes and sample their portfolio of spirits.

The town of Saronno itself, located in Lombardy near Milan, is worth visiting for its rich cultural heritage and connection to the famous liqueur that bears its name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Illva Saronno?

Illva Saronno is an Italian spirits producer best known for creating Disaronno, the world-famous almond-flavored liqueur. The company produces a range of premium spirits and liqueurs, combining traditional Italian craftsmanship with innovative production techniques to create distinctive flavor experiences.

Where is Illva Saronno located?

Illva Saronno is headquartered in the town of Saronno in Lombardy, northern Italy, about 25 kilometers northwest of Milan. The company also operates production facilities and has business interests in various international locations as part of their global operations.

What characterizes Illva Saronno products?

Illva Saronno products are characterized by their exceptional quality, distinctive flavor profiles, and Italian heritage. The company is known for their meticulous attention to ingredient selection, precise production methods, and ability to create spirits with remarkable smoothness and complexity. Their offerings range from the almond-noted Disaronno to their more recent ventures in whiskey production.

Where can I buy spirits from Illva Saronno?

You can find selected bottles from Illva Saronno’s portfolio at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our selection to include both their classic expressions and special releases, ensuring you have access to the finest representations of this storied Italian producer’s craft.