Ramazzotti Amaro

It was a close call between this and Meletti for which amaro I liked the least during my tasting, but this one slightly edged it out because it's just a bit less sweet and tastes better neat. The nose presents mint, cloves, and lemon peel. The palate continues with citrus, including some orange peel, and only a hint of bitterness. However, it is quite sweet and syrupy, which detracts from it in my view. The finish is actually quite long, with some chocolate and root beer notes. Ramazzotti is fairly popular and likely available in a well-stocked bar, but I wouldn't call it essential or unique enough to justify purchasing this over other amaros. I'm not saying it's bad, because it's pretty good. It's somewhat reminiscent of a soda, perhaps a blend of Coca Cola and root beer. I've used it in cocktails, but not as frequently as some others, about the same as Meletti. Ramazzotti is slightly more expensive than Meletti, but only by a few dollars, and it's a touch better served neat. It goes down smoothly, is inoffensive, and gets the job done. It has the same score as Meletti, but that's solely because differentiating the two was so difficult, and Meletti is slightly cheaper, giving it a bit more value. Ultimately, though, if I had to choose between the two, I would select Ramazzotti.

Nose: If you infused orange and anise into root beer, this is what I imagine it would smell like. Palate: Initial anise, followed by orange and floral rose notes in the middle, with roots and spice towards the finish... bitterness appears around the midpoint for me. Finish: Clean spice, with a lingering blend of anise and citrus. Texture is oily but not heavily viscous. I've used it in Black Manhattans and Hanky Pankys as a substitute for Fernet (to eliminate the menthol). Also excellent on ice. Would be good with seltzer, but I'm currently preferring drinks with nearly 100% alcohol content.

For its cost, it's a great amaro, almost like a fancy Kahlua. Flavors of anise and licorice with light cinnamon nicely balance the sugar syrup. It's smooth for being 30% ABV. Not overly bitter. Good served neat or perhaps in a whiskey cocktail.

A spicy and sweet amaro with a pleasant cola flavor. It's wonderful in a Manhattan or a Pumpernickel. A solid choice for cocktails, but not overly syrupy if consumed neat.

An excellent starting point to get acquainted with Amari. Features dark chocolate, tobacco, herbs, and spices. Wonderful served on the rocks after dinner.

The intense kola nut flavor combined with the herbal mix gives it a taste reminiscent of Dr. Pepper.