Popular legend holds that Major Galliano himself carried a homemade liqueur during his military campaigns, and Vaccari based his creation on this precious recipe. Vaccari launched Galliano in 1896 with a golden color inspired by the California Gold Rush era. The brand became one of Italy’s biggest liqueur producers and achieved top-seller status in America during the 1970s. Over its 129-year history, Galliano has changed ownership multiple times, including periods under Rémy Cointreau (1989-2006), during which the recipe was altered. In 2006, Lucas Bols acquired the brand and worked to restore it to its original 1896 recipe and 42.3% ABV strength, relaunching it as “Galliano L’Autentico” (meaning “The Original”).

Product Description:
Galliano L’Autentico is a complex Italian herbal liqueur crafted using a meticulously guarded recipe of approximately 30 botanicals including anise, star anise, cinnamon, juniper, lavender, musk yarrow, peppermint, sandalwood, cardamom, cloves, ginger, sage, iris, and aromatic roots and barks. The production process is extraordinarily complex, involving seven infusions and six distillations. Master distillers at Maraschi & Quirici in Chieri (a small town in the foothills of the Italian Alps near Turin) carefully macerate selected herbs in hydro-alcoholic solutions for 24-48 hours, extract and blend nine separate component parts, and then age the final blend for approximately three months before bottling. The result is a brilliantly golden liqueur with complex vanilla, anise, and herbal aromas layered with spice and citrus notes.

Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Brilliant, vibrant golden yellow with subtle green tinges
Aroma: Reminiscent of peppermint sweets with hints of anise, juniper, delicate vanilla, and subtle herbal complexity
Palate: Sweet and complex with dominant vanilla and anise flavors balanced by citrus (notably orange and lemon), ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and other warm spices; layered herbal character with subtle bitterness
Finish: Warm, lingering finish with anise, vanilla, and herbal notes

Available Sizes:
50 ml, 500 ml, 700 ml

ABV:
42.3% alcohol by volume (84.6 proof) — original restored strength since 2006 relaunch

Style/Type:
Herbal Liqueur (Italian Digestif/Amaro)

Company/Producer:
Lucas Bols (current owner); produced by Maraschi & Quirici in Chieri, Italy

Origin:
Livorno, Tuscany, Italy (created 1896); currently produced in Chieri, Italian Alps region near Turin

Iconic Bottle Design:
The distinctive tall, fluted bottle is inspired by classical Roman columns, making Galliano instantly recognizable in bars worldwide.

Classic Cocktail Uses:
Famous in Harvey Wallbanger (vodka, orange juice, Galliano), Golden Cadillac (crème de cacao, cream, Galliano), Golden Dream, and Galliano Sour. Also served as a sophisticated digestif neat or on the rocks.

Indicative Retail Prices in Major Indian Cities:

Delhi: ₹2,800

Mumbai: ₹3,000

Bengaluru: ₹2,900

Kolkata: ₹2,700

Goa: ₹2,600

Gurgaon: ₹2,800

Hyderabad: ₹2,750

Chennai: ₹2,900

Pune: ₹3,000

Jaipur: ₹2,800

Disclaimer:
Prices are indicative and vary based on state excise duties, retailer markups, and availability. Verified from official state excise portals and licensed retailers for 2025. Always verify current prices with local retailers before purchase.