QWS Craft Spirits Book

Amari

AMARO ITALY Santa Maria al Monte Naturale Liqueur #30138806 / 1L

CAPPELLETI TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE, ITALY The production of a rabarbaro liqueur by the amari and aperitivi producer Cappelletti dates back almost a century.

Alta Verde Amaro #30202182 / 750ml

Santa Maria al Monte, founded by Nicola Uignale in Genova in 1892 and at 40% alcohol, is deeply complex with loads of spicy detail in the mouth and a long, bitter close. It offers amazing intensity and length. While a fernet-style liqueur, it beautifully balances bitterness, herbaceousness, and sweetness and while compellingly complex, this liqueur distinguishes itself with pronounced mint on the finish. Try serving neat, added to coffee or mineral water. Sfumato Rabarbaro #30185713 / 750ml The profile of this amaro marries a dark smokiness with nuanced bitter woodsiness from alpine herbs and notes of sweet alpine berries. The taste is delicate, sweet berry fruit and bitter rhubarb. The production of a rabarbaro liqueur by the Trentino-Alto amari and aperitivi producer, Cappelletti, dates back almost a century. Straight or on the rocks, this makes a wonderful digestif. This herbal bitter is produced by Dutch genever distiller Boomsma. Cloosterbitter is based on a 15th century recipe, made with a blend of 17 herbs and plants found in the Frisian meadows during the month of May. Delicious chilled on the rocks, in a mixed drink or in cocktails. “Tangy and sweet in the mouth, the ethereral softness complements the gentle herbal flavor that elaborates each sip before finishing with a touch of bitterness.” 91pts Excellent Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2016 Frisian Beerenburger Herbal Bitter #30187126 / 750ml An 11-herb tincture similar to Cloosterbitter but the botanicals are different. Full-bodied herbal bitter made by adding herbs to genever with notes of coriander, licorice, gentian, juniper berry and laurel. Has a smooth, yet bitter, finish. It is bracing neat, chilled and on the rocks—also a perfect bitter component in a whiskey-based cocktail. BOOMSMA HOLLAND, FRIESLAND Clerkampster Cloosterbitter Liqueur #30149802 / 750ml

Amaro Alta Verde’s hallmark flavor was common long ago throughout the Adriatic, though seldom found in the last half century. The principal ingredient, assenzio, is a variety of wormwood. A blend of alpine herbs, citrus and spice frame and lighten the classic bitter profile. Best enjoyed with citrus and tonic or soda, or just alone over ice with a big squeeze of lemon. In cocktails, Alta Verde adds depth and a drying effect to balance sweeter drinks. Pasubio Vino Amaro #30202185 / 750ml Pasubio was one of the first amaro recipes created by Guiseppe Cappelletti at the beginning of the 20th century. One of the most beloved of Cappelletti Amari, it is an ode to the mountain range just south of Rovereto. Flavors of pine, blueberry, smoke and alpine plants give a true expression of place. The deep favors and lush texture are the result of its preparation on a rich wine base.

MONTENEGRO BOLOGNA, ITALY Amaro #30133840 / 750ml

Traditional Amaro produced since 1885. Made using over 40 herbs from around the world, bottled at 23% vol, Amaro Montenegro uses a distinct soaking and distillation process which results in a liquor sweet in taste with a slightly bitter finish. The outstanding character is the sweetness of tangerine/mandarin peel. Best straight, with seltzer and lemon rind, or in various combinations in modern cocktails. If you need to express citrus notes in

your cocktail this is the Amaro to choose. 97pts “Top 50 Spirits 2014”, Wine Enthusiast

AN ITAL IAN INSTITUTION. Few things are more Italian than a glass of amaro. Dating back centuries, this herbal liqueur was first crafted by monks believing it had supernatural powers. Amaro Montenegro quickly became a cultural icon with legendary Italian Poet Gabriele D’Annunzio famously calling it the “liqueur of virtues.”The delicious amaro could barely keep up with demand, expanding to a new distillery in 1906. Production briefly stopped duringWWII, but quickly resumed thereafter. #1Amaro in Italy

CARDAMARO ITALY Vino Amaro #30105131 / 750ml

Producer Giovanni Bosca uses estate wine as the base for his Amari. After infusing the wine and other botanicals with cardoon and Blessed Thistle, the distillate rests in new oak for at least six months. 34 proof, low for typical Amari, and less bitter than many with a smooth, nutty, candied winter spice quality to it. Cardamaro is one of the most unique and interesting Amari available. An absolutely fantastic price for a high quality, delicious Amari and a perfect gateway into the world of Italian bitters. 91pts Excellent Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2016

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