Cynar

Appearance: Crystal clear dark amber, with orange highlights when angled towards a strong light. Aroma: Citrus zest, gentle herbaceous and root/bark scents (sweet licorice, cinnamon, cassia.). It has a cola-like quality (likely chinotto orange) and a mellow, dark, vegetal element. Taste and Texture: A sweet start, with deep blood-orange and sweet grapefruit peel, sarsaparilla, licorice. Mild bitterness emerges in the middle, but this is a very approachable amaro. A touch of mocha is present, or perhaps sweetened espresso with a dash of liqueur. I'm a big fan of Cynar - full disclosure. It ranks among my favorite traditional amari (though it's actually younger than some) and it's my usual choice as a digestif. Now, about the artichoke aspect - let's address it. Yes, it contains artichoke essence. No, it doesn't strongly taste like it. Your preference for or dislike of artichokes (how could anyone dislike it?) is irrelevant. It contributes depth, body, and a barely perceptible vegetal character without an obvious flavor. There's a soft, very subtle vegetal note akin to asparagus or Brussels sprouts, but not identical. This might sound unappealing to some, but believe me - it's delicious. The bitterness likely stems from wormwood, possibly with gentian and cinchona bark, but it's controlled and balanced, nicely complementing the sweet base. Wonderful stuff, and a great value. Try it straight, on ice, or as a replacement for bitters or Campari in any mixed drink. Pro Tip: It pairs wonderfully with bourbon and gin. "Excellent": 88/100 (4.5 stars)

This amaro ranked third for me this evening. Cynar is recognizable by the artichoke imagery on its packaging. Perhaps this deters some, but sampling it reveals a pleasant surprise; it does not possess an artichoke flavor, rather, it's one of thirteen botanicals contributing to its composition. Bottled at 33 proof, though a 70 proof version exists which I have not yet sampled. The 33 proof feels a little light for sipping straight, as it presents as overly sweet, though not completely unpleasant. The aroma offers notes of oak and lemon peel. The initial taste might lead one to question if it's indeed an amaro, due to its minimal bitterness. It's sweet, but not excessively so, with hints of spice, toffee, and caramel. The aftertaste lingers for a respectable duration, entirely without heat, yet it remains somewhat too sweet. Considering its low alcohol content, I anticipated a less favorable impression; however, it performed adequately, avoiding a syrupy or overly saccharine profile, even when compared to Meletti and Ramazzotti. Cynar certainly provides a respectable low alcohol option, but I find it more versatile in mixed drinks than when consumed by itself. It lacks the robustness to compete with other amari, but as a cocktail component, it enables the creation of numerous distinctive beverages. Therefore, if your intention is to drink it neat, other selections might be preferable, but for crafting cocktails or straightforward aperitif beverages, this would be a sound selection.

My partner and I are fortunate that while many in the US are facing renewed lockdowns due to COVID, the weather remains pleasant here in central Texas, allowing for safe outdoor dining. November provides ideal patio conditions, and we enjoyed a lovely Italian dinner outdoors last night. Locals here have highly recommended this bottle, so I ordered it as a digestif to conclude our meal. The aroma is captivating, with hints of vanilla, herbs, nuttiness, bitter chocolate, and a subtle vegetal note (which complemented the mezcal cocktail I had earlier). These flavors carried over pleasantly to the taste, and for once, I was grateful for the lower alcohol content. The finish was the highlight. A nutty, chocolatey, and slightly vegetal aftertaste lingered even after we returned home. In my opinion, this was very well-balanced. I enjoyed this more than a comparable drink I tried a few weeks prior, and I am eager to explore more Amari. Cheers!

Amaro is a relatively new area of exploration for me, and I'm still getting acquainted with the differences between regions and botanicals. With that said, Cynar stands out as one of the superior options I've sampled. The initial sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the earthy conclusion. I appreciate its hue and how it performs admirably in mixed drinks. Combine it with a characterful Jamaican rum, some Dolin Rouge, and a few drops of orange bitters. It surpasses a Negroni.

Nose exhibits quinine, peppermint, brown sugar, grapefruit, cinnamon, and dried basil. Rich mouthfeel. The palate is quite sweet, mildly bitter, and presents more notes of quinine, peppermint, grapefruit, and cinnamon, along with subtle hints of artichoke, fennel, and caramel. The finish is medium in length. Slightly too sweet on its own, but otherwise pleasant. 3.25/5.00 – Quite Good (neat)

A favorite amaro. It presents a bitter herbal, woody bark, and vegetal profile, with cola and a hint of dark chocolate sweetness, all wrapped in a bitter orange citrus package. It has a full, rich mouthfeel and is excellent in cocktails.