About Punch Abruzzo
In 1907 in the small mountain town of Borrello, Italy, lived Antonio Evangelista, highly appreciated and respected as the town’s Mayor, He was known for his strong passion for alchemy. During the long and cold winter evenings, the Mayor had the habit of preparing a special beverage, which heated by the fireplace, released an intense and intoxicating aroma, a true antidote against the bitter cold, but also a moment of hedonistic relaxation.
The continuous and insistent demands for this beverage, defined at this point as “magical” or that “warmed even the soul”, lead the Mayor to commercialize it under the name of Punch Abruzzo, thus founding the company Evangelista Liqueurs.
Punch Abruzzo, born as a beverage to savor, can be served hot in the winter, but also appreciated and loved as a cold drink. It is also a great digestivo (after dinner drink) or on ice cream to make an “affogato”. Punch Abruzzo’s amazing texture and flavor not only goes well in coffee and desserts but compliments many exciting dishes (see our RECIPE page).
In addition to Punch Abruzzo, Antonio Evangelista created other prominent liqueurs: Centerbe, Amaro, Anisetta, Sambuca, Limoncello, Grappa, Dry Gin and so on - all highly appreciated. Evangelista received numerous gold medals awarded to the company in various competitions in Italy and the U.S. During the Second World War, Borrello was bombarded and the company, although destroyed, had the strength to lift itself up through tenacity and dedication and in the 60’s the Evangelista name was fully established for the quality of its products.
In 1983, it was decided to move the company to Sambuceto (in the Province of Chieti), to ensure the company’s survival and growth. In Borrello, remained a street named after “Antonio Evangelista” and on the antique factory’s façade “Premiata Distilleria Evangelista” can still be read.
In the new premises, Evangelista liqueurs has managed to grow and establish itself within Italy, receiving numerous awards in taste-testing competitions. The company was also able to cross the boundaries and establish itself abroad.
In 2006, the very strict Beverage and Testing Institute of Chicago sampled Punch Abruzzo defining it as “Exceptional Liqueur” and awarded it the gold medal. Evangelista liqueurs has been present for years now in important markets such as: United States, Canada, Australia, Holland, Belgium, France and England. In London the most exclusive restaurants have inserted Evangelista Liqueurs in their select menus.
Today Evangelista Liqueurs continues to carry on the family tradition with commitment and dedication always striving towards ambitious challenges, in fact it has been able to create challenging and innovative products such as: Organic Limoncello, Punch Abruzzo “Riserva” and Amaro “Riserva” both aged in oak barrels, Genziana in Pecorino wine, Chocolate Punch and Meloncello.
Presently, the original Punch Abruzzo in 1 liter bottles is the only product imported by Ferrando a Forli Corporation and sold exclusively through ItalianPunch.com and liquor stores throughout the state of Ohio. Sign up for our newsletter and become a Punch Fan for updates on additional products as they become available and don’t hesitate to email us with any questions. We appreciate all comments and suggestions.
PUNCH ABRUZZO: The Satisfying Sip Everyone Deserves!