Vecchio Amaro Del Capo
Rating: NNNN
Why: Amari – “bitter” in Italiano – are so intrinsic to their native land that a request for an “amaro locale” anywhere on the Boot yields a unique liqueur infused with regional botanicals and intended as a digestive catalyst. This aromatic Calabrese amaro has hints of orange blossom, chamomile and mint. Serve chilled.
Price: 700 ml/$29.95
Availability: Vintages 731901
Montenegro Amaro
Rating: NNNN
Why: I first glimpsed this stashed in my Nonna’s sideboard, reserved for special occasions and surreptitious coffee seasoning. Italy’s bestselling bitter has since become a staple behind the cocktail bar, but sip it any way you please – neat, on the rocks with a citrus twist or mixed into your bourbon nightcap. It’s magical in any form.
Price: 750 ml/$25.30
Availability: Vintages 601484
Cynar
Rating: NNN
Why: Cynar is what the old boys sneak away to a knock back under the grape arbour after Sunday feasts in Italian households. Flavoured with artichokes (amongst over a dozen other botanical ingredients), Cynar has vegetal notes and a brisk bitterness that make it flexible as an aperitivo or digestivo.
Price: 1000 ml/$24.95
Availability: Vintages 118497
