Veteran-owned craft distiller, producing all-natural amaretto from an authentic Sicilian family recipe, sets sights on national distribution.
Milwaukee, WI (June 9th, 2026) — Oak City Amaretto, a veteran-owned craft spirits brand built on a generations old Sicilian family recipe, has earned two of the spirits world's most respected honors: a 2026 Good Food Award in the Spirits category, presented by the Good Food Foundation, and a Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). This back-to-back recognition affirms what a growing base of customers already know: that a small-batch, all-natural amaretto can stand alongside the best spirits in the country.
The Good Food Awards celebrate makers who combine exceptional taste with authentic, responsibly made products, while the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is regarded as one of the most influential blind-tasting competitions in the industry. Earning recognition from both in the same year places Oak City Amaretto among a select group of independent producers.
Oak City Amaretto is crafted entirely from all-natural ingredients, following a recipe passed down from the founder's Sicilian grandmother (Jennie Scalabrino). The result is a rich amber hued amaretto with a nose of cherry and almond. Tasting notes of cherry, molasses, and caramel transition smoothly into an almondy apricot finish without the overt sweetness or cloying consistency of other liqueurs.
A disabled U.S. Navy veteran (Instructor Pilot), Anthony Scalabrino, launched Oak City Amaretto in Raleigh, NC in 2017 while teaching Naval ROTC and earning his MS in Computer Networks at North Carolina State University. The brand reflects the same discipline and attention to craft that defined his military service, and Anthony and his wife Miranda are proud to add Oak City Amaretto to the ranks of veteran-owned American businesses.
"We have always strived to do things the right way and treat others how they want to be treated, that is the Golden Rule and a non-negotiable for us" says Anthony Scalabrino, founder of Oak City Amaretto. "We've only ever entered two competitions in nine years: the 2026 Good Food Awards and the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. To be honored by both in the same year is something we never could have dreamed of when we began."
With two major awards now behind it, Oak City Amaretto is making a deliberate push to become a national brand. The company is actively seeking distributors, retail buyers, and on-premise partners interested in carrying an award-winning, all-natural amaretto, with the goal of expanding availability beyond North Carolina and Wisconsin into new markets across the country.
"We've proven the product on the national stage. Now we want to get it onto more shelves and behind more bars and on more dessert menus," said Anthony. "We have the production capacity and inventory to expand and are actively looking for distribution and retail partners who value craft, authenticity, and a story worth telling."
Distributors and buyers interested in carrying the brand are invited to reach out directly using the contact information below. Anthony is also accepting in-person meetings at the 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC.
Sicilian Mule:
2 oz Oak City Amaretto
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1 sprig of mint
Top with seltzer
More recipes at https://www.oakityamaretto.com
ABOUT OAK CITY AMARETTO
Oak City Amaretto is a veteran-owned craft spirits company producing all-natural amaretto from an authentic Sicilian family recipe. Founded by disabled U.S. Navy veteran Anthony Scalabrino, the brand is committed to traditional methods and real ingredients, with no artificial flavors or colors. Oak City Amaretto is a 2026 Good Food Award winner in the Spirits category and a Silver Medal recipient at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For more information and data sheets, email Anthony at [email protected], visit https://www.oakcityamaretto.com, and follow @oakcityamarettoco on Instagram and Oak City Amaretto on LinkedIn.
MEDIA / DISTRIBUTION CONTACT
Anthony Scalabrino, President/Owner, Oak City Amaretto, (443) 853-3991, [email protected], https://www.oakcityamaretto.com