Wine & Liqueuramaro-bitters

Amaro Montenegro

Created in Bologna, 1885. Named after Princess Elena to capitalize on her marriage to the Italian king — a savvy marketing move in an era when royal marriages were public events. The brand declined in the 20th century and was repositioned in the craft cocktail era as the accessible amaro, occupying the space between Aperol (very accessible) and Campari (standard complexity).

Flavor Profile

Orange peel, vanilla, subtle bitterness, round sweetness. At 3 on the bitterness scale. 'Approachable, versatile, the warm handshake of the amaro world.' Citrus-Bright and Vanilla-Oak with gentle Bitter-Medicinal. What you smell in an Italian bar at 6pm when everyone's having the pre-dinner drink.

Key Producers

Standard

Amaro Montenegro

40 botanicals; 23% ABV; the reference bottle; created 1885

Italy; produced in Bologna; 23% ABV; named after Princess Elena of Montenegro (who married King Vittorio Emanuele III in 1896); the 'diplomat of the amaro world'