Grappa: from firewater to fine spirit. 8 best distilleries.

Used to be rotgut. Now rivals cognac.

1. Poli (Bassano, free museum+tasting). 2. Nardini (Bassano, 1779). 3. Nonino (Friuli, transformed grappa). 4. Berta (Piedmont). 5. Mazzetti (1846). 6. Marolo (Alba, +chocolate). 7. Capovilla (fruit distillates). 8. Jacopo Poli (museum €8). Start with grappa di Moscato (gentle), then aged (barrique). €3–5/glass.