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    Local Liqueur Tessora Limone Hits Shelves

    Another spirits producer has opened up in Central Ohio, which chalks up another mark for our region’s local liquor credentials. Tessora Limone is a new liqueur being produced in New Albany, and can already be found on the shelves of bars, restaurants and markets throughout Columbus.

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    We recently spoke to George and Lynda Vergits of Veriano Fine Foods & Spirits — makers of Tessora Limone — to find out more about their new addition to the local liqueur scene.

    Q: Having tried Tessora Limone myself, I’m really not quite sure how to describe it. What sort of classification do you designate to this drink?

    A: Tessora would be considered a digestif – classically served neat, after dinner, in a cordial glass. It is a refreshing, sophisticated and smooth liqueur, with a light, creamy texture. Though some may initially think of it as a limoncello, it is very different. We have found that those who like limoncello will certainly love Tessora, but even those who do not like limoncello enjoy Tessora. We call it “original Italian recipe liqueur” because it simply must be tasted – it is indescribably delicious.

    Q: Can you tell us a bit about the origins of this original Italian recipe?

    A: Originally produced in the Abruzzo region of Italy, the recipe was handed down from generation to generation. It has been a secret recipe for over 200 years, and only introduced to the public in 2011. It is made by hand in small batches using all natural ingredients to protect the authentic original recipe.

    Q: So what sort of personal or professional background do you have in the liqueur producing business?

    A: Our professional backgrounds were quite different from the business of making a liqueur. Aside from backgrounds in design, which we have certainly used to help create the packaging and brand for Tessora Limone, and business management, which is almost universally beneficial, our professional experience was not specific in any way to this industry.

    Though we hadn’t considered entering the liquor business before, we knew that the recipe for Tessora was something special. It was unlike anything on the market, and we knew that it would appeal to virtually everyone who tried it, and that has proven to be true.

    Personally, we believed in the family recipe and those who had created it and passed it down. Professionally, Tessora really sells itself.

    Q: After speaking with the owners of other local distilleries including Watershed and Middle West, it sounds as if the process for setting up a liquor manufacturing business is one that can take quite a bit of time and patience. How long did it take to get your business up and running?

    A: Veriano Fine Foods & Spirits, Ltd., the manufacturer of Tessora, obtained the A4 license from the state of Ohio. That licensing process took over a year to complete. It allows us to not only manufacture and bottle Tessora, but to distribute the product as well. Because we have a genuine interest in Tessora and its success, the A4 license ensures that we are able to give Tessora the attention it deserves.

    Q: So… for those who are curious… how is Tessora best consumed? Straight? In a cocktail?

    A: Traditionally, Tessora is served neat, after dinner, in a cordial glass.  It is best enjoyed straight from the freezer for its surprising and authentic consistency.

    Its soft lemon flavor complements and adapts to a wide array of flavors, inspiring the creation of cocktails ranging from fruit and nut flavors to irresistible chocolate and coffee drinks. It is also delicious over fresh berries, ice cream and cake, or incorporated into virtually any dessert offering.

    As we’ve introduced Tessora to chefs and bartenders around the city, we’ve marveled at the imaginative recipes they have shared with us. Tessora is a new and unique product, and there seems to be a genuine excitement for using it in new and inspired ways. As we complete and go live with our website in the next week, we are inviting submissions of recipes. We think it will be fun to see who creates what around Columbus.

    Q: As I mentioned earlier, there are several other micro-distilleries that have popped up in Columbus over the past year. Do you see this scene continuing to grow in the region?

    A: Yes, that does seem to be the case, and it is exciting. It is always a positive when a community supports local endeavors, and small businesses give a unique personality to their communities. Traditionally, the spirits industry has been a very restricted environment, and though the licensing process still does require a significant investment of time and money, we hope that some of the stringent policies surrounding the licensing will change to allow more individuals to bring their unique skills and recipes to market in Ohio.

    Q: Do you have plans to create other products or flavors that vary from Tessora?

    A: Now that our licensing is in place, we have plans to introduce other centuries-old, time-tested recipes to the market in the upcoming year. We hope that the chefs, bartenders and fans that have embraced Tessora with such enthusiasm will be our focus group and help determine future product launches.

    Additionally, we believe that Tessora can, and should, be available nationally, and we intend to do that.

    Q: Where can potential customers find Tessora locally?

    A: We have tried to quickly get some presence in all of the Central Ohio areas. We are currently served or sold in over 60 locations, including The Hills Market, Huffman’s Market, Weiland’s Gourmet Market, Carfagna’s, Europia, The Twisted Vine, Alana’s, Knead, Tip Top, Black Creek Bistro, Latitude 41, Bodega and more. Because we are growing daily, our website will be the best place to check for locations serving or selling Tessora Limone.

    Q: Anything else we should know?

    A: We feel a tremendous responsibility to deliver Tessora in its most authentic form in order to honor the history of the recipe and the family members behind it. Columbus has proven to be wholly receptive not only to the local manufacturing of Tessora, but to the history behind it. We feel lucky to have launched this liqueur in such a progressive community with a culinary and cultural focus.

    More information can be found online at www.Tessora-Liqueur.com.

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    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
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