Leopold Bros Aperitivo is an aperitivo — a bittersweet, red Italian-style aperitif made to open a meal — and it is poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. Made by Leopold Bros in Denver, Colorado, it is an American take on the classic bitter aperitivo, the kind of vivid red liqueur at the heart of a Negroni or spritz. We list it because it brings craft-distilled precision to a category Grappa adores, bright, bitter and built for the start of the evening.
About the Producer
Leopold Bros is an independent distillery founded by brothers Todd and Scott Leopold, who established their Denver operation after years of building the brand. The house is known for old-world craftsmanship and sustainability, including Colorado’s first distillery malting floor. Their signature technique is single-botanical distillation: each botanical is distilled on its own for maximum clarity, then blended, which lets their aperitivo deliver its bitterness and citrus with unusual definition.
Style & Production
This is a bittersweet aperitivo in the classic red style. Bitterness comes from gentian and sarsaparilla roots, sweetness from cane sugar, and a bright citrus lift from distilled coriander and grapefruit peel, rounded out by aromatic botanicals such as hyssop and artemisia. Its vivid red color comes from natural cochineal, the same traditional source used in the category for generations. Real botanicals, rather than extracts or artificial flavoring, do all the work.
Tasting Notes
The nose is bright with grapefruit and orange peel over an herbal base. The palate is firmly bittersweet, gentian and root bitterness balanced by cane sugar, with citrus and a whisper of aromatic herbs through the middle. The finish is clean, dry and pleasantly bitter, exactly what an aperitif should be.
What to Pair It With
As an aperitivo, it is made for the start of the meal and the antipasti table. Pour it with our Charcuterie Board, alongside Saganaki, or with Our Hummus. See the full dine-in menu for more.
How It’s Served at Grappa
Leopold Bros Aperitivo is poured at $13, served over ice or in a spritz or Negroni to open the evening.
FAQ
Where is it from?
It is made by Leopold Bros, an independent distillery in Denver, Colorado.
What does it taste like?
It is firmly bittersweet: bright grapefruit and orange peel over a gentian root bitterness balanced by cane sugar, with a clean, dry, pleasantly bitter finish.
What makes it distinctive?
It is an American take on the classic red Italian aperitivo, built from individually distilled botanicals and colored naturally with cochineal rather than artificial dye.
When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.
