The oldest and most revered method for extracting Calabrian bergamot oil is performed by hand using a specially curved knife and a natural sponge. It's a painstaking process, requiring 200kg of fruit for a single litre of essential oil, and thus it is rarely employed today, but it sidesteps the quality control issues inherent in mechanical extraction to produce a fragrant essence of the most delicate, complex quality, a perfect blend of tart, juicy freshness and smooth, sophisticated floral tones. It's this uniquely exceptional bergamot that defines the character of Bergamotto di Calabria, supplemented with a fiery jolt of ban timur and pink peppers, smoothed with a delicate white floral heart, and given warm, creamy depth with a musky sandalwood base. It's the absolute best that the old ways have to offer, made exceptional with just a touch of the new.
