Anisettes in Andalusia are found in various regions, each with its unique characteristics and history. They are not only a part of the local culture but also a testament to the region's rich history and industrial development.
Anisette is a liqueur flavoured with anise that is consumed in many Mediterranean countries. It is colourless and, due to its sugar content, it is sweeter than other dry anise-flavoured liqueurs like absinthe. Traditionally, it is made by infusing alcohol with anise seeds, along with other herbs and spices.
Anisette can be served as an aperitif before meals or as a digestif after dinner to aid digestion. A famous example of anisette is Anís del Mono from Spain, which has been produced since 1870.
Anisettes are found in some wine producing areas such as Cazalla and Rute. The anisettes of these areas are very aromatic and smooth, in spite of their high alcoholic content.
Cazalla and Constantina, located in the province of Seville, are in the centre of a wine producing area that has been reconverted to alcohol production. The eau-de-vie is known generally as "cazalla", well known as a hard and strong anisette. At one time there were over 50 distilleries and nowadays, different types of anisettes are produced dry, medium and sweet, as well as the range of liquors and creams of coffee, mint, orange, etc.
Anisettes are also found in mining areas in the province of Huelva. This relation with mining and iron and steel industry is due to the belief that eau-de-vie was beneficial to the respiratory system.
In the province of Huelva, the Andévalo area is another where anisettes are made in Andalusia, specially in Zalamea la Real and Alosno, where it is closely related to the mines. This eau-de-vie, very strong and dry, is known as "aguardiente de hierro" (iron eau-de-vie).
In the past, anisettes were also found in the iron and steel industry area around Ojen. The first blast furnace in Spain was installed in Ojén in the province of Malaga, but at the present neither the furnace exists, nor is anisette produced here, though the name may appear on some labels.
Some anisette is produced in the Contraviesa range and the Alpujarra of Almeria for local consumption. The initial stop in a tour of anisettes in Andalusia should be Rute in the province of Cordova, which will immediately evoke thoughts of "matalaúba". Anisettes were already being produced here in mid 17th century.
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