Lazzaroni Amaro

Appearance: Clear, dark amber. Scent: Peppermint, cola, and Friar's Balsam. A revitalizing and uplifting aroma. Flavor and Texture: Peppermint, spearmint, and bittersweet orange on the arrival, transitioning to balsamic pine and gentian flavors with a complex undertone of subtle fruit essences. It possesses an excellent texture that is satisfying without ever becoming thick or overly sweet. A highly commendable amaro from the company known for its liqueurs and biscuits, which are, as expected, excellent pairings for coffee and liqueurs. This amaro offers a cleansing crispness and an intriguing character that bridges the gap between Fernet Branca and Cynar. It has the crisp mintiness of a fernet but with significantly less intensity. The aroma suggests peppermint, but it doesn't overpower like the mint in fernet. Likewise, its herbal, cola, balsamic, and slightly smoky notes are reminiscent of Cynar or rabarbaro amari. The balance is remarkable, with a light sweetness perfectly complemented by a brisk bitter note from gentian and cinchona. Some palates might initially find it too bitter, while others may be immediately drawn to it – it depends on your preference for bitter flavors. If it seems challenging at first, persevere and try a second glass. The taste is acquired quickly, and once you do, many other amari will seem excessively heavy and sweet in comparison. This amaro is a gateway to the category, but it requires effort to appreciate, though it's far less demanding than Fernet. Excellent enjoyed neat as a digestif, especially with biscotti, it also works wonderfully over ice or with soda water and a lemon twist as a refreshing summer drink, offering a pleasant alternative to fruity spritzes. Score: 84/100 (3.75 stars)

Dark brown, possibly from caramel. It smells herbal, with strong mint notes coming through. It has a light sweetness in the aroma. The taste starts herbal, followed by some sweetness, and finishes with mint, but a strange aftertaste lingers that ruins it for me, like bad medicine.

A good value. This amaro has an alpine style with a noticeable, but not overpowering, menthol quality. There's also a slight rhubarb note. It's well-balanced between bitter and sweet.

Strong menthol presence, but balanced by enough caramel sweetness and herbal bitterness to temper the mint hint.

Appreciates the peppermint cola aroma and the piney, bitter finish.