I have a deep and abiding love for Italian amaros - bitter herbal liqueurs - and eventually I will review all the 3-4 dozen that I have sampled here on the blog, as a change of pace and flavor.
I want to kick it off with this amazing organic digestif I recently had, from the Varnelli family in the mountains of central Italy - Amaro Dell'Erbolista. Unfiltered, made with spices and herbs combined over a wood fire, and sweetened only with organic honey, it's rapidly become one of my very favorites. Let's explore the bitter side:
Nose: First, a brief word on the appearance - it's totally unfiltered so it resembles cloudy natural apple cider, which is somewhat alluring all by itself. The nose is a real tease between sweet honey and bitter roots, stewed fruit and bitter nuts, and citrus peel. It's a great nose.
Mouthfeel: Medium.
Palate: Immediate honey notes are bright and sweet but fade into an immense bitterness full of gentian root, chinchona/quinine, orange peel, tons of tannins (vastly dry as it develops).
Finish: The bitterness recedes on the finish a little bit, leaving oak (it must be aged) and strong notes of rhubarb.
Verdict: Wow, what a powerhouse. And - it's probably good for you! For scotch drinkers with an adventurous palate, this has a lot of alternate flavors to offer, and is extremely easily drinkable at only 21% alcohol. Probably my favorite amaro on the market today. If you like amaros, this is extremely highly recommended.
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