SCARLET
Scarlet is a handcrafted liqueur inspired by 19th-century Amaro recipes. Made with a blend of 25 botanicals—including orange peel, jasmine, wormwood, marjoram, and hops—it strikes a delicate balance between bitterness and sweetness. The bitterness gently unfolds on the palate, leaving a lingering and addictive finish.
Scarlet is crafted by Iseya Shuzo, a small distillery in Japan dedicated to producing authentic Amaro. Located in the historic town of Obara, the ninth post station along the old Koshu Highway in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, the distillery operates out of a restored 100-year-old traditional farmhouse.
Amaro, meaning “bitter” in Italian, is a liqueur known for its complex herbal flavors. Famous examples include Campari. Historically, Amaro was developed for its medicinal properties—hence the saying, “good medicine tastes bitter.”
Iseya Shuzo embraces this tradition while infusing it with a Japanese sensibility. Every bottle of Scarlet is made entirely by hand, from infusion to bottling, by the family themselves using time-honored techniques.
Crafted Tradition: Made by Hand
Iseya Shuzo is a Japanese distillery dedicated to crafting Amaro, the traditional Italian herbal liqueur known for its distinctive bitterness. Located in Midori Ward, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, the distillery operates out of a restored 100-year-old kominka (traditional farmhouse) in Obara—once the ninth post town along the historic Koshu Highway.
“Amaro” means “bitter” in Italian, and true to its name, bitterness is the hallmark of its flavor. Campari is one of the most well-known examples. Historically, Amaro was created for its medicinal properties, aligning with the old saying, “good medicine tastes bitter.”
At Iseya Shuzo, this rich tradition is honored through Scarlet—their original Amaro. Made entirely by hand using classical methods, every step from infusion to bottling is carried out by the family themselves. Scarlet is both a tribute to Amaro’s roots and a unique expression of Japanese craftsmanship.
The Journey Behind Scarlet
After working in bars and restaurants across Japan, the founder of Iseya Shuzo set out on a journey through Europe—visiting around 70 distilleries, including those in Scotland. There, they encountered the depth and dedication of craft distillers, as well as the profound connection between the land, its people, and the spirits it produces.
It was in the town of Pontarlier, nestled on the border of France and Switzerland, and the nearby Swiss village of Travers, that inspiration truly struck. Captivated by the natural beauty and warmth of the locals, they began their own path in distillation.
The base spirit for Scarlet is a premium vodka from Sakurao, Japan. To this, they add ten botanicals grown by hand on their own land, combined with carefully selected domestic ingredients and high-quality botanicals sourced from abroad.
Amaro has always been a global liqueur—its character shaped by herbs and roots gathered from across the world. To create a true Amaro, Iseya Shuzo believes it’s essential to embrace both the local and the international, honoring its heritage while crafting something uniquely their own.
Crafting Flavor with Imagination and Depth
When designing the flavor of Scarlet, the process begins with root-based botanicals as the foundation. From there, layers of fruit notes are added—each element imagined and carefully composed to create a harmonious whole. This approach blends intuition with craftsmanship, resulting in a truly original expression.
The blend is further refined using barrels sourced from some of Japan’s most renowned breweries, adding subtle complexity and depth.
Compared to many international Amaros, Scarlet contains significantly less sugar. This allows the botanicals to shine through with clarity, giving the liqueur a layered and dimensional flavor profile.
Not only is Scarlet a delight to the palate, but its deep crimson hue also makes it visually captivating. We invite you to experience the elegance and depth of this Japanese-crafted Amaro for yourself.