Our Story

Field with rolling grass, hills, and an oak tree.

A Taste of California

We make small batch amaros, rooted in a sense of place.

Brucato started small, born from a deep love of the landscapes and producers that define California. With each expression, we sought out unique and distinct flavors that are sometimes traditional and sometimes surprising.

Old World Inspiration

Traditional techniques.
Inspired and original recipes.

Amaros have an enduring appeal, adapting over centuries from regional tonics and tinctures to spirits that connect cultures. Before there was large-scale spirit production, these bitter liqueurs were hyper-regional, made from the produce and native flora of the surrounding landscapes. Today, Brucato is continuing this tradition with our own small-batch amaros that celebrate the vibrant history and diverse agriculture of California.

Like Italy, California is a bounty of exceptional ingredients and endless inspiration. Sun-ripened citrus, wild foraged herbs, and native plants are all thoughtfully sourced and combined to give Brucato Amaros their distinctive character.

Our Pursuit

California is home to layered landscapes and generations of shared culture.

At Brucato, we’re driven by a simple mission: to craft distinct, delicious amaros that embody the essence of California. Our spirits are all part of a larger story — infused with a sense of exploration and a reverence for the Golden State.

California has always been a confluence of cultures, ecosystems, and cuisines, and our amaros reflect this diversity. We draw inspiration from its rich agricultural history, incorporating both native plants and those introduced through waves of migration. This blend of the familiar and the unusual gives Brucato Amaro its unique character, one that’s deeply rooted in tradition but always looking forward.

With every expression, we bring a new perspective to the textures and tastes of our state.

Picking and boxing apricots to use in Brucato Amaros

Our Ingredients

Quality sourcing, complete transparency.

We partner with producers who share our commitment to sustainable farming practices. By working directly with growers and trusted distributors, we maintain a direct line from field to bottle, preserving the integrity and flavor of each ingredient.

Each of our amaros begins with local brandy, and our ingredients macerate for anywhere from twelve hours to several months. There are no shortcuts, no artificial additives — just pure and complex flavors. We’re transparent about our process because we believe people should know what they’re drinking. This authenticity is central to what we do, and it’s why we invite you to visit our distillery, ask questions, and see how we craft our amaros.

Learn about our ingredients

Sierra & James Clark

Brucato was founded by Sierra and James Clark. Sierra has a background in food and drink writing and academia — she holds a PhD in Food Studies, focusing her studies on spirits. They have built the recipes carefully, starting with 200 individual infusions of fruits, herbs, and spices, sourced from small farms or foraged where possible. They are deeply involved in all steps of the process, down to hand-peeling citrus and applying neck labels by hand.

In addition to their love of drinks, Sierra and James have a history in social policy, which they bring to Brucato in the form of a dedication to using the brand to support their community. Brucato will engage in efforts to give back to the farmers, the restaurants and bars, and the land without which it could not exist.