Amaro
FlagshipMilan, Bologna, Sicily, Friuli, Piedmont, Tuscany, Italy
ABV16-40%
Sub-styles
Tasting Notes
Bitter, herbal, caramel, dried orange peel, gentian, medicinal, menthol, cola, coffee, chocolate, anise, artichoke, rhubarb, juniper. The spectrum ranges from light and sweet-bitter (Montenegro: caramel, vanilla, orange) through medium complexity (Averna: cola, dark herbs, citrus) to aggressive and medicinal (Fernet: menthol, eucalyptus, bitter root).
Brand Guide
The amaro spectrum runs wide. Well/Session: Montenegro ($25-28), Meletti ($22-26).
Call
Averna ($28-32), Ramazzotti ($24-28)
Premium
Nonino Quintessentia ($40-50), Lucano Anniversary ($35-40)
Top Shelf
Cardamaro ($30-35), Braulio Riserva ($45-55), Scarpa Brachetto d'Acqui ($50+). Montenegro is the workhorse -- know it cold
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The Story
Italy's bitter herbal digestif, an entire philosophy of flavor in every regional variation.