Bitter almond liqueur
ReferenceItaly, Germany, Central Europe
ABV24–30%
Sub-styles
Tasting Notes
Bitter almond, marzipan (less sweet), cherry pit, apricot kernel, benzaldehyde, toasted nut, dried stone fruit. More austere and medicinal than amaretto. The bitterness is the point — it's almond without the candy coating.
Brand Guide
Niche category: Noyau de Poissy ($30-40), Crème de noyau options ($20-30). Lazzaroni uses bitter almond/apricot kernel tradition. For practical purposes, amaretto is the accessible version, bitter almond is the specialist option. Few dedicated brands exist — most bartenders approximate with amaretto + Angostura.
Explore Spirits
The Story
The marzipan note in liquid form. Stone-fruit kernel bitterness refined into aromatic sweetness.