Happy Birthday to Telly Savalas and a look at Biancosarti Blonde Amaro January 21, 2019

Today marks what would have been the 95th Birthday for beloved Greek-American actor Aristoteles Savalas, better known as Telly Savalas. Telly starred in one of the popular crime shows of the 1970's entitled Kojak and starred in such movies as The Dirty Dozen, In Her Majesty's Secret Service and Kelly's Heroes to name a few. Telly also starred as a spokesperson for a number of spirits throughout his acting career.

Back in 2012 I highlighted Telly Savalas (and other actors) who were spokespersons for the Black Velvet blended Canadian Whisky in the posts The Gook and the Duke and a Black Velvet Too and Black Velvet Whisky Ads. With it being his birthday today, I wanted to look at another spirit that he was a spokesperson for: Biancosarti Amaro. Never heard of Biancosarti Amaro? Well, neither have I. But here is what I found out about this brand.

Biancosarti Amaro traces its roots back to the 1880's having been created by Bolognese distiller Luigi Sarti and his family. The amaro, which is under the Campari Group, is known as "The Vigorous Aperitif" and is described as followed on the Biancosarti wepage:

Biancosarti is an aperitif renowned for its vigorous flavor. The clear, brilliant color liquid is fresh and elegant. Its delicate and delicious flavor is truly unique and derives from a secret mixture that unites the soft aroma of rare herbs, spices, and flowers with the intense character of rinds and roots.

The article Biancosarti: The Genepy Hybrid of Luigi Sarti from the Sole-Agent website goes into more detail about the Biancosarti Amaro:

Biancosarti was a rectified macerated spirit that lay halfway better (between?) a vermouth and a bitter, thud spawning the category: amaro bianco. (Higher ABV of 35%, full bodied unlike many white vermouths of the time, no barrel aging). Primarily flavored with orange, chamonile, Artemisia, cardamom and gentian root there likely another some 15+ botanicals used as well in its early iterations. 

Bombings of Bologna during World War II would cause the distillery to be destroyed in 1943. The distillery would be rebuilt after the war and would be sold to the Bols Wessanen group in the 1970's and later to its current owners The Campari Group in 1995. Biancosarti's main market is Italy. Here is one of Telly's commercials for Biancosarti:

I guess I'll have to keep my eye out in my travels to see if any of the bars I come across have some Biancosarti available. Until then, I'll leave you with this photo of Telly Savalas. Happy Birthday Telly and may you continue to Rest in Peace. Who Loves Ya, Baby!!!

Until Then Keep Drinking,
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