Gotha Spiriti Nobili Settemmezzo

Gotha Spiriti Nobili is a craft distillery based in Bologna, founded by Ergin Allko. His vision brings together Italian herbal traditions and influences from his Albanian heritage, with a signature twist: purified Adriatic seawater is used in all Gotha products to deepen minerality and flavor complexity. Settemmezzo is Gotha’s artichoke-based amaro, crafted using Carciofo Violetto di San Luca, a rare violet artichoke native to the hills around Bologna. Its name Settemmezzo (“seven and a half”) refers to a traditional card game once popular in Bologna’s bars — outlawed, but carried on secretly — giving the spirit a local, folkloric resonance.

Tasting Notes
Settemmezzo pours a warm amber hue. The nose opens with fresh herbs, green artichoke leaf, and citrus zest, underpinned by licorice and a whisper of smoke. On the palate, the violet artichoke’s vegetal bitterness leads, balanced by bitter orange, rhubarb, and herbal depth. Licorice and a touch of saline lift the finish, giving a bittersweet echo with a subtle salinity (thanks to its seawater component).

Serving Suggestion
Serve Settemmezzo over ice with tonic or soda for a refreshing aperitivo, or use it as a bitter component in cocktails (swap it for Cynar or other artichoke amari) when you want vegetal complexity without overwhelming sweetness.