Amaro Nonino Quintessentia

This was the first amaro I ever purchased. My primary reason for buying it was for a recipe from one of my cocktail books, but after a couple of months, I decided to try it by itself. I was quite pleased; it was very smooth and encouraged me to explore other amari. It has been some time since I opened this bottle, so the flavor might have shifted a bit, but there's still more than half left, so perhaps not. It's certainly not my top amaro, but it possesses merits and performs well in mixed drinks. Regardless, let's move on to the tasting. The scent offers notes of spice and orange peel. The taste is bittersweet and quite syrupy, though less so than some lower-proof amari. The orange peel persists, and some stone fruit notes emerge. On the way down, there's a slight kick, but it's not intense, especially for those who consume whiskey or other spirits straight. Sweetness becomes apparent in the finish, which is actually quite lengthy. Nonino holds significant respect in the grappa world, and this amaro is crafted well, likely satisfying most amaro enthusiasts. I simply don't find it as exceptional as its price suggests. If the cost were disregarded, I would likely rate it higher. It remains a decent and high-quality after-dinner beverage, but I wouldn't spend the money solely for use in cocktails. For that purpose, I'd prefer Montenegro, which I think is superior and more affordable, or even common choices like Ramazzotti and Averna for recipes requiring amaro.

Date: 4.11.22 Opened: 5 Months Served: Neat, Flute Last drink: Water This follows a 10-day alcohol break. Aroma: Dark chocolate, candied orange, fennel, hay, orange bell pepper. Taste: Moderate sweetness. Moderate bitterness. The sweet/bitter balance is similar to Cynar and Sfumato. A bit of alcohol burn. The bitterness persists. Tastes of orange peel and dark chocolate. It's nuanced and pleasant, but not nearly complex or captivating enough to warrant the cost. However, its balance makes it enjoyable to sip solo, unlike Montenegro. Among the few "light" style amari I've sampled, this is the best. If managing a bar, it would be financially sensible to find a suitable alternative for this in a paper plane, though it's currently the only amaro I've tried that delivers the correct flavor. Good, but not worth $50.

1.25.22 Served: On the rocks with an ice sphere Bottle Opened: 3 months prior. Aroma: Notes of chocolate and lemon. Flavor: A subtle fruity taste, reminiscent of a summer popsicle. It's a bit harder to discern specific notes when it's cold, but it's generally more enjoyable when chilled.

Wonderfully light yet intricate. Rich, syrupy fruit sweetness, orange, subtle herbs, and a gentle hint of licorice. A very mild bitterness in the middle. Excellent on its own, and crucial for a Paper Plane. Costs $49 in Ontario.

Aroma presents cardamom and intricate botanical notes, balanced by a pleasant sweetness that endures on the palate. It's akin to a sophisticated cream soda. Suitable for sipping neat or mixing into drinks. An experienced assessment aligns with this perspective.

An unusual amaro because of its grappa base. The grappa is evident, but there are also prominent sweet orange peel notes. It's less herbal than most amari.