Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli S.p.A.

In the heart of Lombardy, where Milan's industrial energy gives way to the quieter traditions of Saronno, Paolo Lazzaroni & Figli has spent eight generations perfecting the art of Italian spirits and confections. This family operation, formally established in 1869 but rooted in traditions dating to 1774, represents something increasingly rare: an unbroken chain of craftsmanship passed from father to son across two centuries.

History & Heritage

Paolo Lazzaroni founded the company in Monza in 1869 alongside his sons Pietro and Luigi, formalizing what the family had been doing in Saronno since Carlo Lazzaroni's time in the late 18th century. The move to Saronno proved prescient, as the town would become synonymous with their signature amaretto. Today, the company remains family-controlled, exporting to more than 70 countries while maintaining its commitment to traditional methods.

The Spirits

Lazzaroni's mastery lies in Italian liqueurs, particularly their flagship Amaretto Lazzaroni 1851. The production process reveals their dedication to craft: amaretti cookies are infused in alcohol alongside carefully selected flours and herb extracts, a patient six-month process that earned the expression 93 points and a gold medal at BTI. The company also produces sambuca, limoncello, maraschino, and various amari using formulas preserved across generations.

Why It Matters

Lazzaroni represents the Italian approach to spirits: patience, tradition, and an understanding that true quality cannot be rushed. Their amaretto stands as a benchmark for the category, while their broader portfolio demonstrates how a single family can maintain excellence across multiple spirit styles for nearly two centuries. For those who appreciate good whiskey, Lazzaroni offers insight into how traditional European distilling principles translate across categories, even when applied to liqueurs rather than aged spirits.