Oro Pilla brandy was started in 1919 in Venice by the Pilla brothers. They were dedicated to making fine liqueurs. Their brand quickly gained a good reputation.
In 1944, their success took a hit when bombings destroyed their headquarters. They had to move the distillery to Murano. The post-war years were tough due to changing consumer tastes and more competition.
In 1954, the Zarri-Fini family from Bologna bought the distillery. They put a lot of money into advertising. This helped Oro Pilla get back on its feet. A key moment was in 1961 when it was in a Carosello advert. Musician Xavier Cugat and his wife, actress and singer Abbe Lane, were in the campaign.
In the 1970s, Oro Pilla brandy became very popular, with sales of over one million bottles. Despite challenges, the brand has always focused on keeping its original recipe and high quality.
The brandy is known for its unique two-phase production. This keeps the wine's original aromas. It's aged for at least three years in French and Slavonian oak barrels in Italy.
Oro Pilla has a pale amber colour and is very clear. It smells clean and strong, with notes of resin, balsamic, and spicy woods. It tastes strong and slightly sharp. You first taste toffee and fruits preserved in alcohol, then it turns to a dry and astringent liquorice finish. The aftertaste is long and pleasantly bitter.