Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto

Appearance: Clear with a faint yellow tint. Aroma: Smells like cologne and lemon oil. Flavor and Texture: Floral and sweet. Citrus oil hits first, immediately followed by white sugar, then a perfume-like floral taste, reminiscent of sweetened cologne. This offers an intriguing modern take on Italian rosolio, which traditionally is a liqueur made with equal parts water, sugar, and alcohol, often incorporating floral and/or fruit essences. The cologne scent is unmistakable on the nose, understandable given that cologne uses a blend of citrus and herb oils, especially bergamot. It strongly reminds me of a well-known German brand a relative used to wear. The taste is also floral and fruity, with clear notes of grapefruit and lemon sherbet, plus the lemony/orange essence of bergamot oil. The texture is syrupy and sweet, as expected from a liqueur. I found it bordered on being overly sweet to enjoy neat (even chilled) as a digestif, but it excels as a mixer. The brand's website suggests several cocktails, all of which were successful. A margarita-style cocktail is very good (serve it ice cold), and it's also excellent as a spritz with prosecco or cava. My personal favorite, however, is using it as a gin alternative with tonic water and plenty of ice; in this form, it's sinfully delicious and easy to drink. Rating: 85/100 (4 stars) - Very Good.

I truly, truly like this. It's fantastic over ice or with something bitter (like Campari or gentian in a modified negroni). I'm completely captivated by the flavor of bergamot, so the citrusy, almost Earl Grey taste of this liqueur is perfect for me. It's a little sweeter than I usually prefer to drink straight, but the flavor is so good I can't resist.

It has many good qualities (I love the bergamot and lemon notes) but is a bit too sweet for my preference. I wish it had more bitter elements, but I've found that about half an ounce adds a nice touch to various gin drinks or even spritzes with an amaro/aperitivo without completely dominating the flavor.

It's definitely more oily than syrupy. This isn't just another Cointreau. It's sweeter than I expected, but it has a bitterness akin to orange peel or grapefruit peel. I tried it neat, and that's not my preference, but it's excellent in Martinis, negronis, and spritzes.

Smells sweet and citrusy like oranges. The initial taste is also sweet orange, making me worry it would just be overpriced triple sec. However, there are some delightful cola-like notes in the finish. Maybe it's like a sweet chinotto? Perhaps that's the taste of bergamot.

Thanks to a friend for opening this bottle. Tasted neat. The aroma is very herbal and sweet, with notes of spearmint and reminiscent of the turn-down service at a favorite resort in Mexico. On the palate, it's exceptionally sweet yet tasty and minty.