Amaro- A quintessential herbal liqueur from Italy that is full of surprises. It consists of a blend of bitter complexity and captivating sweetness. If you're a fresher in the world of Amaro or seeking to try something new, understanding the flavours first will captivate you to discover the perfect match for your requirements.
So, let's get started and uncover the rich history of Amaro while examining their flavour profiles. We'll also try to provide you with practical tips that'll help you select the bottle that'll suit your taste.
Understanding Amaro
Amaro literally translates to "BITTER" in Italian, it comprises of a large variety of herbal liqueurs, which are known for their complex and nuanced flavours.
Made up of a variety of botanicals like gentian root, citrus peel, rhubarb and anise each of them contributes towards the distinct flavour profiles and aromas in Amari Production.
What makes Amaro special?
There are two types of people, those who are new to Amaro and those already swimming in its flavours.
The newcomers often hesitate a lot before trying Amaro. They may be afraid to try something new and give up, so it's important to understand your own preferences in order to choose the best Amaro for you.
Let's understand the flavours first.
Finding the Right Mix for your Preference
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Herbal and Minty:
If herbal and minty is your style, you'll be mind-blown by the Fernet Branca, it's an amazing choice as it has a strong, bracing flavour with menthol and herbal undertones.
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Citrusy and Light:
If you are one of those who like sour and citrus flavours then you belong to what we call the "Lemon King '' category, and you'll love Amari with citrusy notes like, Aperol or Campari, which is also used to prepare Negroni.
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Sweet and Spicy:
Are you a keen spice lover? Then how could you miss the sweet and spicy Averna or Ramazzotti? These options have a very complex flavour profile.
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Bitter and Robust:
If you are more inclined towards the bitter and robust flavour profiles, then Amari like Cynar would be more fitting to your taste. It contains hints of earthy flavours, which makes it an excellent option.
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Floral and Aromatic:
Fan of floral aromas and flavours? Amaro Nonino Quintessentia is something you seek. It includes notes of orange peel and spices. It's a delightful choice.
Understanding what's the best Amaro flavour profile:
Sometimes bitter vs. Sometimes sweet:
Averna is smooth and sweet like caramel while Fernet Branca is more bold and bitter. Bitterness and sweetness are two distinctly contrasting flavors, and finding the perfect balance between them can be an exceptional discovery.
Herbal and Spicy Notes:
Many Amaro boasts prominent notes of herbs and spices. Amaro Nonino delights with its aromatic blend of herbs, while Cynar offers a unique, artichoke-based bitterness.
Terlato Artisan Spirits - 'Nonino Quintessentia' Amaro (750ML) from The Epicurean Trader, An elegant expression of amaro. Grappa base is infused with bitter orange peel, cinchona, gentian, rhubarb root, saffron and tamarind and aged 5 years. Buy Here.
Citrus and Floral Notes:
Amaro also boasts citrus and floral aromas. For example, Amaro Montenegro, it blends bitter orange with subtle floral undertones. Epicurean Trader’s Amaro Montenegro showcases Traditional amaro distilled in Bologna, Italy made from a secret blend of 40 botanicals, including vanilla and orange peels. Buy Here.
Popular Amaro types and their Profiles
Averna:
Known for its rich sweetness with hints of citrus and herbs, Averna is perfect for sipping neat or in cocktails, such as the classic Averna Sour.
Averna Amaro Siciliano (750ML) From The Epicurean Trader, A classic Italian amaro from Sicily, produced using the original 1868 recipe of all natural ingredients. Buy here
Fernet Branca:
Celebrated for its bold bitterness and complex herbal profile, Fernet Branca is a favourite digestif and an intriguing addition to cocktails, such as the Fernet and Coke.
Fratelli Branca Distillerie - Fernet-Branca Digestif (750ML), Made with over 27 different herbs and spices including aloe, rhubarb, and saffron, sourced from four continents. Perfect for a post dinner digestif. Buy here.
Cynar:
Noted for its artichoke-based bitterness and herbal notes, Cynar adds depth to cocktails like the Cynar Spritz or serves as a sophisticated digestif.
Campari Group - 'Cynar Ricetta' Originale 33pf Aperitif (1L) By The Epicurean Trader, Artichoke based bittersweet liqueur known for its versatility and distinctive flavour; its taste is enriched by an infusion of 13 herbs and plants.
How to choose the Best Amaro for your Mood?
Assessing Your Flavor Preferences:
There mainly exists two types of people, either the ones who lean towards a bitter profile like Fernet Branca or those who prefer something sweet like Averna.
Experimenting with your taste notes:
You can explore the diverse world of Amaro by indulging in “tasting flights or cocktail dives” to discover the wide array of available flavour profiles. Alternatively, you can also be spontaneous and try out out a random Amaro out of the blue to determine whether you prefer a more basic or spicy taste.
When savouring Amaro neat, the Italian tradition involves sipping on a one-and-a-half to two-ounce pour for a relaxing evening unwind.
Spectrum of Bittersweetness :
- Bitter: Some Amari varieties, like Fernet Branca, have a strong bitter taste due to the flavours of gentian flowers, wormwood, or cinchona.
- Sweet: Conversely, some varieties tend towards sweetness, often incorporating infusions of citrus peels or floral notes.
- Herbal: Many Amari showcase intricate herbal profiles, achieved through the combination of roots, spices, and flowers.
Or you can commence by sipping an amaro neat, following the Italian tradition of serving 1.5 to 2 ounces. Pay close attention to the initial bitterness, and discern the subsequent layers of complementary flavours.
Considerations for Mixing and Cocktails:
Amaro has become a key ingredient in many cocktails. Classics like the Negroni (try Tempus Fugit Spirits - 'Gran Classico' Bitter Liqueur (750ML)) and Aperol Spritz ( Campari Group - 'Aperol Spritz' Sparkling Wine Cocktail (200ML)) prominently feature Amaro.
The Cynar Negroni offers a remarkable twist on classic Negroni. With sweet vermouth and bold Cynar Liqueur (a pair made to melt together). Sweet-sour tingling complements the citrusy notes of the cocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce Gin.
- 1 ounce Cynar.
- 1 ounce Sweet Vermouth.
- Garnish: Lemon twist or orange twist.
Instructions:
- Combine the gin, Cynar, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Pour the mixture into a nice glass over some fresh ice..
- Garnish with a lemon twist or orange twist.
The Boulevardier cocktail, a drink made out of perfection between excitement and comfort. Made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Campari, it also offers bold aromas and an intense herbaceous taste. A gentle spice leaves a slight sweetness on your tongue, and the presentation is so appealing with that deep red colour.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 ounces Bourbon (or Rye Whiskey).
- 1 ounce Campari.
- 1 ounce Sweet Vermouth.
- Garnish: Orange twist.
Instructions:
- Add the bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rock glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
The Lucky Lucano Cocktail An exquisite mixture of sweet, herbal flavours and tart will leave your tongue tantalised. Amaro Lucano showcases a luxurious bittersweet base with subtle hints of citrus peel, caramel and spice.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounces Amaro Lucano.
- 1 ounce of freshly squeezed Lemon Juice.
- 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup.
- 1 Plum (sliced).
- Garnish: Orange twist or splash of seltzer water.
Instructions:
- Muddle the plum slices in a shaker.
- Add the Amaro Lucano, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
- Strain into a glass over ice.
- Garnish with an orange twist or a splash of seltzer water.
Also, read about more serving styles and recipes.
Remember, Amari forms a spectrum in terms of colour, strength, and intensity of flavour. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a home bartender, there’s an amaro that resonates with your taste, Always! :)
Where to buy the Best Amaro?
Explore online retailers or local liquor stores with diverse selections of Amaro to expand your tasting journey. One of the most popular websites, The Epicurean Trader, features a diverse range of Amaros, from spicy tinglers to soft coffee. Check out: Shop Premium Amaro Liqueurs - The Epicurean Trader for the Best Amari.
Storage Tips:
Store bottles upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to maintain their flavours and aromas.
Some of our top recommendations include:
Fast Penny Spirits - 'Amaricano' Amaro (750ML).
Inspired by Italian tradition, Amaricano balances rich and herbaceous tones for a breathtakingly bold experience. Distilled West Coast grapes frame this lush amaro, brimming with cocoa nibs, Rainier cherries, Yakima hops and locally foraged truffles bound with a bevy of botanicals.
Buy here.
Forthave Spirits - 'Marseille' Amaro (375ML)
Secret recipe from thieves of mediaeval Marseille who divulged their recipe as repentance for crimes. Notes of lemongrass, rhubarb, honey, chamomile, pepper.
Cappelletti - 'Pasubio' Vino Amaro (750ML)
An ode to the mountain range south of Rovereto. Flavours of pine, blueberry, smoke and alpine plants give a true expression of place.
The Epicurean Trader has something for everyone.
Embrace the diverse world of Amaro with confidence, armed with knowledge about its flavours and versatility. Doesn’t matter if you enjoy it neat, mixed in cocktails, or as a culinary complement, there’s an Amaro waiting to delight your palate. Embark on your tasting journey today and discover the richness of Italian herbal liqueurs. Alla salute!
Also read:
Italy's Bracing, Bitter Amari: Drinks to Top Off a Lusty Meal
Does 75% of the World’s Saffron Really End Up in Fernet?
Top 10 Amaro Cocktails You Need to Try
