Amaro Nardini

Of the five I sampled, this was my preferred amaro. Amaro Nardini might not be the most common amaro, and it's not frequently featured in beverages, but I consider it among the finest amari for sipping. Amaro Nardini is bottled at 62 proof, presenting a pleasant balance that avoids being overly sweet or excessively strong. The aroma is reminiscent of aged rum, with notes of vanilla and oak. The palate is where it excels; the bitterness is the initial sensation, yet it isn't overwhelming, followed by hints of mint and anise. The finish is nearly as enjoyable, featuring a mild warmth alongside pleasant spice, chocolate, and herbal undertones. In my view, Amaro Nardini is an overlooked treasure. While you might not often find it in cocktail recipes, it's an exceptional choice as an aperitivo or a digestif. Its price might be somewhat elevated compared to other amaros, but I believe it's absolutely justified.

2022-01-22 Served neat in a coupe glass. Smell: Citrus peel (lemon and orange) with some floral undertones. Taste: Generally sweet and high proof. Begins with lemon, then untarted blackberry, and the flesh of cucumber (not the tannic skin). Mid-palate brings peppermint that transitions into a bitter finish reminiscent of Fernet Menta.

Amaro Nardini is smooth and has a great balance, with a pleasant bitterness. It offers a refined mix of mountain botanicals and bright citrus peel. It’s bold but not too much, an excellent choice for sipping straight or mixing into a sophisticated drink.