Please sign this petition as a Park Slope resident, and/or shopper, in support of Amaro Spirits & Wine (Amaro Spirits), a boutique shop (450 sq ft of sales space) attempting to open on Fifth Avenue between Garfield Place and First Street that will sell predominantly herb-based spirits as well as unique small-producer wines from around the world not found in any nearby stores.

There is no other liquor store in the country that features as comprehensive an inventory of herbal aperitifs and amaro (the Italian term for the category of herb-based digestif) spirits. These spirits were originally conceived as tonics to aid digestion and stimulate the appetite through the unique properties of their herbal recipes. Amaro Spirits encapsulates my passion, fueled by my family's strong ties to Italy, that introduced me to an aperitif/digestif subcategory that I know will interest a sophisticated, internationally oriented Park Slope consumer base. I want to encourage people to embrace, as I have, a centuries-old culture of drinking herbal spirits as part of the dining experience.

The store will also provide educational events and tastings of these liquors that are increasingly being served in the city’s restaurants and bars. Standard liquors will be sold, too, but only a limited number of unique brands for each type.

The store will also include a selection of international and local organic and kosher wines, and a wide selection of bottles for under $12. Pairing with food will be a theme.

As owner / operator, I will continue to live in the neighborhood as I have for more than 10 years with my wife and our two children who attend the local public school, PS 321, and I am eager to apply my vision for warm, engaging, informative customer service to a neighborhood that craves it.