Vecchio Magazzino Doganale (old customs warehouse) is a liqueur factory and a rural farm located in Montalto Uffago, Calabria. Founded by creative entrepreneur Ivano Trombino, the company specialises in cultivating and selecting botanicals and citrus fruits around Calabria and produces unique and authentic liqueurs. Ivano found his inspiration in the ancient recipes, letters and diaries of his grandfather Egidio. The story goes that in 1871 Egidio and three American sailors, one of them Captain Jefferson, survived a shipwreck in the Calabrian waters and sought refuge at the Vecchio Magazzino Doganale. With support of the owner of the farm, Giocondo, the castaway’s new lives soon centred around the production of special liqueurs, against a backdrop of wonderful flavours, citrus fruits, spices and herbs. Madame Milù, a Moulin Rouge dancer, was the great love of Captain Jefferson. The Da Bere al Bisogno, or “to drink when needed” is Ivano’s ode to Madame Milù – highly digestive, innovative and unique, retracing and encompassing the alchemy of the Italian style of production of liqueurs from the 1800s to today. Its authentic recipe contains chamomile, mint and marjoram hand picked and processed in separate and fresh infusions. In addition, lemon balm, fennel seeds and absinthe are distilled together with a secret composition of medicinal herbs. Its strong balsamic taste and its high alcohol content make it extraordinary in mixology or served cold whenever you wish – or better put, “when needed”.