Forthave Spirits Marseille Amaro

I was intrigued by this amaro; it's made locally in NYC, with no added sugar, but instead uses wildflower honey. The creator utilized old recipes for bitters that were historically used to combat illness. Therefore, expect more bitterness and less sweetness in this. Normally, I can't stand overly sweet spirits, which automatically disqualifies most liqueurs and rums for me (except for an amazing Barrell rum I tried once, and those rare expensive Caronis which are hard to find). I've sampled perhaps 3-4 amaros, and the only one I didn't find excessively sweet was a Vecchio (highly recommended by a friend, which led me to purchase it). This one easily surpasses that Vecchio. While the Vecchio was slightly sweet over bitter, this is more herbal-bitter than sweet. If you dislike herbal or slightly bitter flavors, this won't be for you. The aroma immediately hits you with scents of licorice, grass, and cloves. On the palate, I'm detecting very little sweetness, only at the entry; it's more Eucalyptus, mint, grass, and cinnamon. The eucalyptus is prominent. Easily my best amaro experience (though I've only had 3-4). But for me, this now establishes the benchmark for high-quality, reasonably priced amaro against which I'll evaluate others I encounter.

A deliciously crazy amaro that tastes like a lucky accident after a trip to the farmers’ market. Sassafras, figs, cucumber, cloves and celery, spritzed with mint, will stimulate the less-exercised parts of your palate, though it’s perhaps a touch too medicinal on balance. Still, full marks for originality. Thanks for the samples from a friend.

Sweet honey and floral notes mingle with cinnamon, mint, and syrupy stewed apples. A medley of herbs and barks, with some berry notes. It's a bit bitter, a bit sweet.

Similar to a fernet but sweeter, warmer, and with additional botanicals. Intense but delicious

A sweeter, more floral fernet. Medicinal in the best way possible

So many layers of herb and flower. Absolutely fantastic.