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Aperitifs
![78 Degrees Bitter Orange Aperitif (700ml)]()
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78 Degrees Bitter Orange Aperitif (700ml)Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenABV: 20%An Australian Bitters expression marrying traditional European herbs with predominantly native ingredients including riberrries, thyme, lime and quandongs. Cloudy orange, delicately tart, pith/peel and orange sorbet aromas. Follows through with pure, pleasingly tart orange and citrus flavours and a faintly bitter, dried herb finish. Cleansing and refreshing. Try it in a spritzer or an Aussie Negroni. 20% Alc./Vol.
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Aperol Aperitivo (700ml)ITALY$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenABV: 11%Closure: Screw CapReminiscent of Cointreau without the spirit backbone, Aperol is a refreshing apertif first made in 1919 by Barbieri - a small family owned company in Padua near Venice. Since then it has become Italy’s national pre-dinner drink where it claims nearly one quarter of the aperitif market. Produced using sixteen ingredients including gentian, orange essence, rhubarb and quinquennia (china bark), at only 11% abv, Aperol is light enough to enjoy again and again in many different ways. Use it as an alternative to Campari or Triple Sec. Serve it chilled on its own or long with soda, fruit juice, spirits or sparkling wine.
Other reviews... The Aperol Spritz is a perennial favorite cocktail — but I can’t say that I’ve ever actually drank much Aperol on its own. Until now! An aperitif that is often shelved alongside Campari (the same company now makes both), this liqueur’s most noteworthy ingredient (not including sugar) is bitter orange, though a host of other bitter roots are also used to give it its flavor. Lighter in color and much less bitter than Campari, the spirit is a bittersweet beauty. The up-front sweetness can be a little cloying, with a viscous body and spun sugar character that approaches cough syrup, but once that passes, its complexities take hold. Aperol offers gentle bitterness on the back end, with notes of chocolate and root beer leading to a pleasant, dessert-like finish. Not too lasting, the sweet and bitter eventually meld into a cohesive whole as the liqueur finally fades away. Aperol can be used as an alternative to Campari in almost any cocktail — particularly if you’re not looking for the bitter wallop to the senses that Campari provides. For even more fun, use it as an alternative to Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or any other triple sec and see what the slug of bitterness does to your favorite cocktail. - drinkhacker.com
...Sophisticated and delightful aromas of tangerine and rhubarb. The palate entry is delightfully citrusy and sweet; the midpalate phase offers just enough herbal bitterness to balance. Ends up refreshing, orangey sweet and delectably herbal. This deserves to become a popular pre-dinner quaff. 93 points - wineenthusiast.com
![Applewood Distillery Okar Bitters (700ml)]()
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Applewood Distillery Okar Bitters (700ml)Adelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$52. 99Bottle$635.88 DozenABV: 21%After a process of refinement following feedback from fans of Applewood's early efforts, “Okar” now replaces "Red Okar" and Island Bitters in the distillery's line up. Described as “a supreme example of the potential of native Australian Riberries, Native Currants, Blood Limes and Saltbush." Works beautifully in an "Aussie Negroni" or even as a novel twist on an Americano.
2017 Batch tasted... Deep cherry red with garnet / crimson edges. Powerful, fresh bitter-herbal bouquet evokes semi-ripe blackberries, mint, thyme and citrus peel with later passes accenting blackcurrant and lime juice. Drinks as a silky, medium bodied amaro with attractive fruitiness countered by a surge of bay leaf, peppermint, citrus peel and delicately bitter, drying, herbal tea-like notes at the finish. Complex and refreshing.
![Autonomy Amber Bitter Aperitivo (700ml)]()
Autonomy Amber Bitter Aperitivo (700ml)Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$66. 99Bottle$803.88 DozenABV: 25%The earthy bitterness of the gentian root is balanced with tart quandong and fresh citrus to create an enticingly bittersweet aperitivo. Expect a deep and lingering bitterness that is tempered with the flavours of candied citrus peel and underripe peaches. Perfect in a White Negroni or simply with tonic and lots of ice. Note: As this product is seasonal, there may be slight variations in colour, aroma and flavour from batch to batch. Some natural sediment may also be present. 25% Alc./Vol.
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Autonomy Davo Plum Aperitivo (700ml)Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenABV: 15%Tart Davidson Plums and Rosella are balanced by sweet oranges and a hint of Tasmanian Pepperberry in this deliciously refreshing aperitif. Add a splash of soda for an Aussie spritz, or combine with a generous pour of sparkling wine and plenty of ice for a cool cocktail that will see you through a hot Summer arvo. 15% Alc./Vol.![560650155515_1.jpg]()
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Belsazar Dry Vermouth (750ml)GERMANY$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenABV: 19%Based on the Gutedel grape variety (better known as Chasselas), this aromatic and super-dry vermouth uses two types of wormwood in a botanical bill that also includes apple, cinchona, fennel, cardamom and lemon peel. Fortified with a touch of Schladerer's peach eau-de-vie, lending a pleasant fruity note, this weighs in at a lean 28 grams/litre (less than Noilly Prat and Dolin for example). It's genuinely dry and yet it's also textured and vinous, making it nicely versatile and user-friendly; from apéritifs through to the classics. Try it with tonic or shake up 25ml with 50ml Dodd's gin or Poor Toms Fool Strength for a cracking boozy Martini where this vermouth really stretches the flavour. Tasting note: Pale brass gold. Fresh, bittersweet aromas of gentian, dried apricot, crushed grapes, herbal tea and citrus zest. Follows through with a delicately tart, light bodied profile including hints of quinine, lemon peel and oxidised wine. Ends bone dry, faintly bitter, cleansing. Easily the driest vermouth we've tasted. 19% Alc./Vol.![Beltion Mediterraneo Amaro Digestif Liqueur (700ml)]()
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Beltion Mediterraneo Amaro Digestif Liqueur (700ml)ITALY$51. 99Bottle$623.88 DozenABV: 30%Beltion have done a nice job on this Italian classic, recreating a robust expression from an old family recipe that achieves a satisfying bittersweet balance. The infusion of herbs, spices, bark, berries and aromatic roots combine angelica, rosemary, wormwood, star anise, nutmeg, cinnamon, juniper, rhubarb, cinchona and gentian backed up by tangy citrus peels and subtle mint freshness. Enjoy straight, over ice or cut it back with soda to taste - it retains much of its character after dilution. 30% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... A delicate blend of spice and cooked orange on the nose. Bark, roots and herbs come through on the palate. The finish is quite minty and lingers pleasantly. - 91 points, Silver Medal, International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024
Gold medal in 2021 London Spirits Compeition.
![Beltion Red Bitter Aperitif (1000ml)]()
Beltion Red Bitter Aperitif (1000ml)ITALY$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenABV: 25%In the 1880s an aperitivo culture emerged in Italy, mainly in the North. It attracted imbibers of appetite-stimulating wines and bitter liqueurs. These primarily red-hued, wine or spirit-based drinks were infused with citrus, herbs, spices and roots, then mixed with sweeteners to balance. The slightly less bitter wine-based examples that continue today include Aperol or Select Aperitivo, to name just a few. More bitter, higher-strength expressions are Campari or Meletti. Both are used in Spritzes, Negronis and beyond. Beltion offer a middle-ground with their light and delicately-flavoured "Red Bitter" made from an infusion of herbs, aromatic plants and fruits. It sports a traditional ruby red colour and has a pleasantly bitter taste over a warming background. Use it in citrus-flavoured cocktails or serve it as a pre-dinner refresher over ice. 25% Alc./Vol.
![Beltion Red Ap Aperitivo (700ml)]()
Beltion Red Ap Aperitivo (700ml)ITALY$32. 99Bottle$395.88 DozenABV: 11%Nicknamed 'The Spritzmaker', Beltion's new bright red aperitif is created with oranges, herbs, spices and aromatic roots. It is the essential ingredient for making the most classic Italian pre-dinner drink: the Spritz (Prosecco, RedAp and soda water), and at just 11 percent ABV, it stands out for its alcoholic lightness. Also try it over ice with 2/5 of soda.
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Bisleri Ferro China Aperitif Liqueur (700ml)ITALYReduced from $54.99$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 21%Closure: StelvinDiscontinued in 2015. Now available again with a new presentation in 2021.
Originally a family of industrialists, the Bisleris have produced this very famous Italian tonic since 1881. It is essentially an aperitif in a herb flavoured, fortified wine base. Its producers recommend its as a blood tonic. Each 30 ml shot contains 5 mg of Iron [from Ammonium Iron (lll) Citrate] and when taken at any time of day, but preferably before a meal, is claimed to maintain normal blood. Ferro China also makes a pleasant drink mixed with mineral water.One member of the Bisleri family, Franco Bordoni-Bisleri (born 1913), was a famous Italian flying ace. The badge on the Ferro-China bottles was a lion so this was the image painted on most of his aircraft alongside the word “Robur” meaning “strength” in Latin. No doubt his fame helped to popularise the brand. 21% Alc./Vol.
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Bizzarro Bitter Aperitivo (750ml)Riverland, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenABV: 19.5%Closure: Screw CapHailing from the the Riverland in South Australia, this natural Aperitivo is produced by Delinquente Wine Co. Biodynamically grown Vermentino is infused with organically grown Riverland oranges and lemons, as well as a range of fruits and herbs. This creates a perfectly balanced Aperitivo, not too bitter, not too sweet and as a result contains much less sugar than other competitors. Equally suitable in a spritz as it is in a cocktail or on the rocks.
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Bonal Gentiane-Quina Aperitif (750ml)FRANCE$34. 99Bottle$419.88 DozenABV: 16%A much-celebrated wine based aperitif made with gentian, quinine and Grand Chartreuse mountain herbs from an 1865 recipe. Often used in place of red vermouth. Tasting note: Translucent burnt sienna brown. Aroma is redolent of prune and grapefruit over secondary notes of quinine and cola. Light to medium bodied; mildly bitter entry is followed by a juicy, bittersweet prune and grapefruit burst; Finishes fresh, pleasantly bitter-sweet, earthy and root-like with faint quinine and grapefruit in the aftertaste. 16% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... 5+ Stars - www.diffordsguide.com![561611680_1.jpg]()
Byrrh Aperitif (750ml)FRANCE$38. 99Bottle$467.88 DozenABV: 18%The new, slightly smaller format of the famous wine-based aperitif also weighs in with a higher ABV. Made mainly from Carignan and Grenache grapes from the hillsides of Roussillon in Southern France, the grape must is macerated with neutral spirit in order to stop the fermentation process. This gives a particularly fruity and syrupy mixture, called "mistelle". After a preliminary ageing, the mistelles are blended with dry red Roussillon wines. The blend is then cold-flavoured with dried crushed quinine bark, and aged for 3 years in large wooden barrels called "foudres".
Simon Violet and a pharmacist friend, both from Thuir, in the Pyrénées invented this new quinine-based aperitif in 1856. Benefiting from the then fashion for quinine tonic wines, Byrrh soon became popular throughout France. Starting in 1903, advertising poster competitions were launched to promote the brand. Boosted by extensive advertising campaigns, Byrrh was a huge hit in the 1930s and by 1935 was the leading aperitif in France, with sales reaching 35 million litres. The brand became part of Pernod Ricard in 1976.
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- Packaging may vary
Campari Bitters (700ml)Milan, ITALY$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 25%Closure: Screw CapLike most liqueur / aperitif producers, the Campari company considers its recipe as the key to its ongoing success. Consequently, secrecy is paramount. The complete recipe, kept in a bank vault, is known only to the company's President who overseas weekly production. With worldwide annual sales now exceeding tens of millions bottles, this cautionary attitude is perhaps understandable. What is known is that it contains quinine, ginseng, orange peel, herbs and rhubarb that are steeped in a mixture of water and alcohol. The drink is then coloured with cochineal. It's typically served very cold without ice but with a dash of soda to release the flavours.Other reviews...Light red color. Dark berries and spice on the nose. A smooth attack leads to a somewhat sweet, medium-to full-bodied palate with ripe and tart black cherry and dark fruit flavors that give way to a barrage of extremely bitter herb and fruit pit elements that dominate the back palate and linger as the fruity sweetness dissipates. A complex and dynamic aperitif that could use a mixing element to calm down the bitterness.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
93 points (Exceptional) tastings.comCherry-red color. Nose is snappy and expectedly bitter in a woodsy, earthy, quinine-like way. Palate entry is mild in a sweet-sour fruity manner; midpalate is sweet and only moderately bitter. Finishes long and mildly quinine-like. While I’m not a bitters aficionado (more a bitter aficionado, really), Campari and orange do positively click. I’m savvy enough to know when not to argue with 58 million Italians. 80-84 points - www.wineenthusiast.com
![Cappelletti Aperitivo Mazzura (750ml)]()
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Cappelletti Aperitivo Mazzura (750ml)ITALY$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenABV: 17%Antica Erboristeria Cappelletti was established in 1906 in the historic Piazza Fiera in the center of Trento. Today they're located 20 km south of Trento in Aldeno, surrounded by vineyards and apple orchards. As the name would suggest, the firm was and remains focused on products made from traditional herbs, roots and flowers. They achieved fame in the region for their amari and aperitivi, including the classic red bitter Aperitivo Cappelletti. All production is done in house by the fourth generation of the family, Luigi and Maddalena Cappelletti.
This ruby-red aperitif includes botanicals sourced from the Dolomite hills and valleys in Italy's Triveneto region, the birthplace of the Spritz. Mazzura's colour comes from a unique blend of flowers and fruits that is entirely natural. Its aromas conjure red apples, cinnamon and bitter notes of gentian and citrus peel, while the flavour features subtle herbal accents, like fresh thyme and rosemary plus a tang of citrus and a pleasing bitterness. Enjoy over ice with a splash of soda, or try it in a Negroni or Boulevardier or Spritz. 17% Alc./Vol. Vegan friendly.
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Cappelletti Vino Aperitivo Americano Rosso Bitters (750ml)ITALY$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenABV: 17%Tasting note: Bright ruby red. Mildly bitter and herbaceous scents of gentian, grapefruit and later hints of cherry cola. Soft, semi sweet entry leads into a gently bittersweet profile with ripe grapefruit and sweet oregano. Ends delicately bitter, earthy and balanced. Like Campari, but more accessible. 17% Alc./Vol.![Cardamaro Amaro (750ml)]()
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Cardamaro Amaro (750ml)ITALY$68. 99Bottle$827.88 DozenABV: 17%An amaro made using Moscato wine with a key ingredient being artichoke thistle (aka 'cardoon', 'cardone' or 'cardoni'); It is the one and only wine-based amaro and the only one to employ Nizza Monferrato Cardoon - a winter vegetable similar to celery, but belonging to the artichoke family. After maceration is complete, the liquid is rested in oak for six months before bottling. Deep polished copper in colour, the aromas suggest citrus zest, gentian, pine wood, liquorice root and peppermint. The palate isn't heavy or particularly bitter - more medium-bodied, fresh and Vermouth-like with a zesty, pleasingly bitter, warming spice and quinine finish that also hints at bergamot, herbal teas and citrus. A delicious pre-dinner drink or refresher, but also sought out for its medicinal qualities, other ingredients include calumba, juniper, Gentiana Lutea berries, cloves, liquorice root, cardamom, lemon peel and marjoram cultivated in Piedmont. 17% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... On the nose it is strong and complex, thanks to the blend of the various extracts and the long ageing process. Spicy notes of Hunchback Cardoon, Gentiana, clary sage and liquorice are prominent; hints of dried fruit, grapes and ginger also emerge. The taste is sweet, full and well-orchestrated flavour reflecting the extraordinary balance between the sweet note, the bitter quality of some of the officinal herbs and the pleasant tastiness of the wine. The tasting experience is unique, with pleasantness unmatched by any other amaro, thanks to the moderate alcohol content. The long-lasting aftertaste retains the complexity and spicy notes of the herbs, with a slight hint of tobacco.
![Carpano Classico Rosso Vermouth (750ml)]()
Carpano Classico Rosso Vermouth (750ml)ITALY$36. 99Bottle$443.88 DozenABV: 16%The company behind delicious appetisers like Punt e Mes and the best-selling Carpano Antica also make some more pedestrian vermouths, including two white styles, as well as this dark, fruity, sweet Rosso version, all based on ancient, secret recipes. Characterised by citrus and based on the original vermouth recipe invented by Antonio Benedetto Carpano, its robust notes of cherry, cola, cloves and bitter orange make it perfect for cocktails like the Americano, Negroni or Manhattan, or simply over ice or with tonic as a complex sipper to savor before or after a meal. 16% Alc./Vol.
![Chartreuse Le Genepi Intense des Peres Chartreux Liqueur (700ml)]()
- Nick's Import
Chartreuse Le Genepi Intense des Peres Chartreux Liqueur (700ml)FRANCE$109. 99Bottle$1319.88 DozenABV: 40%Génépi (also known as Mugwort), is a generic term used by the inhabitants of the French Alps to describe several kinds of aromatic plants native to the region. For the local mountaineers, it's a tradition to harvest the flowers in August and macerate them in alcohol. Chartreuse produce two variations of Genepi liqueur, although, so far as we can tell, the difference between them can only be surmised by the name. This version is subtitled "Intense", the other is simply called "Traditional". Both weigh in at 40% ABV. It's assumed that 'Intense' includes extra botanicals in the mix, resulting in a stronger aroma and flavour which is said to be reminiscent of "...garden mint, herbs, vanilla, bitter orange peel and flowers". Having been distillers for four centuries, the monks have perfected a formula derived from several macerations and distillations. 40% Alc./Vol.
![Chartreuse Noix Aperitif Liqueur (700ml)]()
- Packaging may vary
Chartreuse Noix Aperitif Liqueur (700ml)FRANCE$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenABV: 23%Walnut liqueurs have a long-standing tradition in the Dauphiné region where the Carthusian order is located. Originally known as "'Eau de noix des Pères Chartreux', this one comes from the creators of Chartreuse. Green walnuts are collected in St. Jean and macerated in alcohol. A secret blend of various other plants is added as well as sugar, with the final composition aged in barrels for several years before bottling. 23% Alc./Vol.![Christian Drouin Lauriston Pommeau de Normandie (700ml)]()
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Christian Drouin Lauriston Pommeau de Normandie (700ml)Normandy, FRANCE$56. 99Bottle$683.88 DozenABV: 17%Pommeau de Normandie is a blend of three parts fresh apple cider and one part Calvados. The appellation requires a minimum ageing of fourteen months in oak, but at Christian Drouin, they extend that to up to four years. The extra ageing delivers a better-balanced drink with little to no apparent alcohol. Drouin also takes particular care when choosing their apples, aiming to obtain a flavour that's neither too sweet nor too heavy. Pommeau de Normandie's fruit exuberance makes it the region's favoured aperitif. It can simply be served chilled before dinner, or added to Champagne as a long drink, but it's also popular in the kitchen where it lends its delicious apple perfume to a variety of dishes - drizzled into a scooped out melon, with foie gras, or with apple desserts and sauces. 17% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... "Never have I been so enchanted by a before drink as this...very highly recommended." 92 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"It is a mixture of apple must Calvados and apple juice with a crazy aromatic purity. It is a man named Christian DROUIN who distills this marvel by hand somewhere in the Pays d'Auge. This is what makes you want to spend your holidays in the green Normandy pastures. In the shade of a distillery, of course". - Jérôme Estèbe, LA TRIBUNE DE GENEVE (February 2002)
Gilbert & Gaillard, 90/100, 2020, (France)
Silver Medal, Vimoutiers, 2018 (France)
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Cocchi Americano Rosa Aperitivo (750ml)Cocconato d'Asti, ITALY$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenABV: 16.5%A blend of two aromatic varietals (Malvasia and Brachetto) from Italy's Piedmont region which is fortified and infused with gentian, cinchona and citrus as well as ginger and rose petals. Tasting note: Pretty autumn-leaf red colour. The generous bouquet includes bitter sweet scents of unripe strawberry, citrus peel, gentian and tumeric. Excellent bitersweet balance with a light, silky delivery offering initial ripe raspberry and spice flavours over grapefruit and gently bitter herbal notes. Concludes dry and fresh, with spices carrying the aftertaste (cardamom / clove?). Enjoy on its own or try with tonic. 16.5% Alc./Vol.![1025747_1.jpg]()
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Cocchi Americano Aperitif (750ml)Cocconato d'Asti, ITALY$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenABV: 16.5%Closure: CorkCocchi (pronounced co-key) Aperitivo Americano falls along the lines of a Bianco Vermouth. Produced since 1891 from moscato d’asti and fortified with a touch of brandy, it’s subsequently flavoured with bittering aromatics like gentian and cinchona bark, along with orange peels and herbs. Toby Cecchini, writing for the New York Times Magazine, comments “...what has cocktail enthusiasts excited about Cocchi is that it is secretly acknowledged to be the most similar product in existence to the old-formula Kina Lillet.”
Lillet Blanc, (formerly Kina Lillet), a product directly imported by Nicks Wine Merchants, was originally a bitter tonic drink, however the quinine content was reduced in 1986, leaving the market bereft of a properly bitter alternative. Though not as intense as Lillet, Cocchi’s product certainly offers a lighter and more bitter aperitif experience that should appeal to any mixologist concerned with historical accuracy.
Tasting note: Bright pale straw / gold appearance. Mildly oxidised, grapey aromas mingle with floral notes. Further inspection yields hints of fresh picked, sweet oregano and ripe quince. A soft, round, semi sweet entry leads into a moderately concentrated mid palate offering flavours of moscato and dried apricot that’s nicely counterpointed by gentle bitterness. Finishes fresh, clean and gently bitter with a quinine, citrus peel aftertaste persisting. Try it in your next Corpse Reviver or Vesper. 16.5% Alc./Vol.
![Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry Vermouth (500ml)]()
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Cocchi Vermouth di Torino Extra Dry Vermouth (500ml)ITALY$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenABV: 17%First there was "Dry". Now there's "Extra Dry." Released in the year of Cocchi’s 130th anniversary, this classic-style vermouth is based on a Piedmontese recipe using local ingredients. The base wine is Cortese, the same grape used for Gavi DOCG. The Artemisia Absinthium is entirely harvested from the Piemonte mountains. The aromatic profile is characterized by Menta di Pancalieri, a local variety of peppermint, and lemon, traditionally used to garnish vermouth in the region. Other botanicals include angelica, coriander and cardamom for a fragrant and balanced character. This vermouth will enhance classic cocktails such as the Martini or the Bamboo (40ml Cocchi Extra Dry stirred with 40ml Dry sherry, garnished with lime zest or basil leaf), but it also shines when served with tonic water (elderflower tonic is the preferred choice) or simply sipped over ice. Best consumed within a month after opening. 17% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Look for a pale straw hue and fresh green apple and white flower aromas. The palate is zippy and remarkably light, with mouthwatering lemon peel and the barest hints of fresh herbs and peppermint on the super-clean, brisk exhale. Martini-worthy. 97 points - wineenthusiast.com
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Contratto Bitter (1000ml)ITALY$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenABV: 22%This blend of the old and the daringly fresh is just the thing to revitalise your bitters experience. The first Contratto Vermouth recipes date back to the late 1800s and had their heyday as top tipples of the flappers and dandies of the ‘20s and ‘30s. Featuring Aloe, wormwood and sweet orange peel, cloves, cardamom, gentian, hibiscus, enula bell, juniper berries, mint, rhubarb, sage, swertia, nettle, ginger and more, many consider Contratto a superior option to Campari. Perfect in a Negroni or a refreshing spritz. 22% Alc./Vol.![Delord Floc de Gascogne Blanc (700ml)]()
Delord Floc de Gascogne Blanc (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenABV: 17%This is the bright gold coloured, slightly fresher, lighter alternative to Delord's Rouge Floc de Gascogne. Made in a similar fashion by blending partially fermented grape juice with one third Delord Armagnac, for the Blanc, grape varieties like Sauvignon, Colombard, Ugni Blanc and Gros Manseng are used. The blend is then matured for around three to nine months - depending on your source.
Other reviews... Aromas of white grapes, dried fruit, acacia honey, buttery chamois leather and a faint hint of shoe polish (in a good way). The taste is honeyed with dried fruits and a hint of liquorice. 4.5 stars - diffordsguide.com
![Delord Floc de Gascogne Rouge (700ml)]()
Delord Floc de Gascogne Rouge (700ml)Armagnac, FRANCE$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenABV: 17%Echoing Cognac's own Pineau des Charentes, this Gascon specialty is made by blending the partially fermented juice of Merlot, Cabernet and Cabernet Franc grapes with one-third Delord Armagnac. The mixture is then aged in old oak barrels, to preserve the fresh fruitiness. Recommended as an aperitif with foie gras, melons or as an after dinner treat. 17% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Toffee fudge, tobacco, raspberry and blackberry with dark chocolate. 4.5 stars - diffordsguide.com
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Distilleria Alpina Amaro Alpino (700ml)ITALY$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 18.5%Distilleria Alpina was founded in 1930 by Agostino Pontillo. Their Amaro is based on Alpine herbs and roots and includes 22 botanical infusions, though not all have been revealed by the company. New owners, the Sembenotti brothers from Trento state that rhubarb, gentian, clary sage, juniper berries, elderflower and china calissaia (chincona) are in the mix. Alpino aims at a medium-bitter style that's robust, herbal and earthy with a delicate piney/mint lift typical of the freshness of many Alpine amaros (more citrus-driven specimens are found in the south). Warming alcohol contributes depth while subtle sweet spices and bitter gentian make for a balance that's near perfect. The finish is long and mildly bitter. On its own, poured over ice or in a spritz with soda and citrus, whichever way you drink it, this is moreish stuff. 18.5% Alc./Vol.
![Distilleria Negroni Bianco Dry Vermouth (750ml)]()
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Distilleria Negroni Bianco Dry Vermouth (750ml)ITALY$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenABV: 18%A medium-fresh Bianco with well-defined herbaceous qualities. On the palate, the complex interplay of citrus peel, gentian and wormwood is rounded off in a pleasingly bitter finish. Botanicals include artemisia thyme, oregano, rosemary, vanilla berries, quassia, rhubarb root and angelica. 18% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 30ml sample.
![Distilleria Negroni Rosso Vermouth (750ml)]()
Distilleria Negroni Rosso Vermouth (750ml)ITALY$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenABV: 18%A 'farm to glass' Vermouth based on the distillery's own wine sees an infusion of alcohol with herbs and spices such as artemisia, thyme, oregano, rosemary, vanilla pods, quassia, rhubarb root and angelica. On the nose, the bouquet is intense and vinous, with hints of balsamic and herbs followed by cinnamon and cloves. On the palate it's sweet, leaving a slightly tannic note on the finish. 18% Alc./Vol.
![Distilleries de Provence Noix de la Saint Jean (Walnut) Aperitif (700ml)]()
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Distilleries de Provence Noix de la Saint Jean (Walnut) Aperitif (700ml)Provence, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 15%Made using nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and hand-crushed Dauphine green walnuts harvested at St John’s Day, this tasty provincial specialty is a vermouth-meets-ruby-port kind of aperitif that crosses categories. Deep, ruddy red to umber-brown in colour with earthy, bitter herbal notes pitched against ripe plums, riper red berries and walnuts (the latter lingering at the finish which takes a cue from bitters), Noix de la Saint Jean makes a moreish drinking experience on its own, but you can also pair it with chocolate, nut-based desserts and cheeses such as Roquefort, Blues, Stilton and Fourme d'Ambert. 15% Alc./Vol. Refrigerate after opening.
Notes from the importers.... Nose: On the nose, the dominant aroma is walnuts completed by a more spicy note of spice bread and dried fruit. Palate: On the palate, the aromas of this aperitif are marked by the walnut and nut stain subtly flattered by a spicy note of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Noix de la Saint-Jean is well balanced between acidity and sugars with a good volume on the palate. The astringency of this nut gives this aperitif a good lingering flavour. Its tannins are fine and not very dry at the finish.
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Distilleries de Provence Orange Colombo Aperitif (750ml)Provence, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 15%Lubéron rose wine bestows this Provence novelty with a light orange-pink hue; add to that a maceration of quinquina, curacao and sweet and bitter orange peels and you have something akin to dry vermouth with a strong citrus accent. Enticing notes of orange zest, a delicate herbaceousness and a fine-tuned bittersweet balance makes for a breezy, fresh, feminine aperitif; superb on its own, if you're mixing keep it light - add a dash of soda for a delicious refresher, pour over ice or match it with chocolate desserts. 15% Alc./Vol.
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Distilleries de Provence Gentiane de Lure Aperitif Liqueur (700ml)Provence, FRANCE$47. 99Bottle$575.88 DozenABV: 16%An infusion of gentian roots and wine. Tasting note: Saturated gold / pure amber colour. Almost bitter-sweet as gentian underscores the candied orange peel note. Second pass finds candied blood orange dominating. The light to medium bodied profile features fresh, juicy orange peel / pulp, becoming delicately bitter at the finish as citrus peel and gentian follow through to the fade. Simple yet so refreshing! 16% Alc./Vol.![Doppelganger Aperitivo (700ml)]()
Doppelganger Aperitivo (700ml)London, UNITED KINGDOM$54. 99Bottle$659.88 DozenABV: 20%With a label design inspired by house music, this deep ruby-red apertivo starts with hints of citrus and aromatic roots on the nose and follows with a bitter-sweet palate led by citrus and rosella (hibiscus), underlaid by earthy and herbaceous flavours. Try it in a Brit Spritz served with elderflower cordial, strawberries and topped with champagne. Also ideal in a Negroni. 20% Alc./Vol.
Silver Medal at the 2022 ISWC Awards.
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Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif Liqueur (750ml)FRANCE$33. 99Bottle$407.88 DozenABV: 14.8%In an attempt to discover a way for soldiers in North Africa to consume quinine to prevent malaria, the Parisian chemist, Joseph Dubonnet created this lightly fortified herb wine which is sometimes simply called “the cat.” The story behind the cat which appears on the label is far from clear, however one report has it that it is testimony to the many nights Dr. Dubonnet spent researching his creation, leaving his wife to the sole company of her feline. Dubonnet is produced by fortifying both red and white wines from the Rousillon region of France and blending them with local herbs and spices, then aging the product for three years. Key ingredients are quinine, orange peel, coffee beans, cinnamon and camomile. Best served on ice with a slice of lemon. 14.8% Alc./Vol.
Tasting notes: Tawny color like an old Burgundy. Bouquet is vinegary and tart, with nuances of pine, underripe grapes and fruit stone. Fresh and clean on palate; thin flavor displays tastes of tart cranberry. Try it with some club soda and a slice of orange.
Rating: 80-84 - tasting note sourced from www.wineenthusiast.com
One of history's greatest cocktail creators, Frank Meier, used Dubonnet to make his B.V.D.:In a mixing glass: one third of each of the following;
Bacardi Rum
Noilly Prat Dry
Dubonnet; stir well and serve.
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Sweetdram Escubac Aperitif (700ml)FRANCE$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 34%As the gin sector continues to saturate, Escubac offers the discerning drinker and bartender something genuinely original and genuinely delicious to use. Aside from the addictive E&T (see below), this modern spirit is delicious served on the rocks, while its citrusy, spicy personality and deceptive dryness, brings enormous versatility. It can be handled like a gin or a vodka etc., be poured as a base spirit or it can be 'base split' with countless other spirits. A modern twist on an old drink, Escubac is a reinvention of an old style of spicy yellow liqueur that originated in Tudor England as 'usquebaugh' (a sort of ancestor of whisky). After being adopted by the French, and renamed Escubac, the drink eventually vanished into the ether. Enter Daniel Fisher and Andrew MacLeod Smith. Drawing on the so-called 'Gypsy Brewing' movement in the US, the Sweetdram team distills in small batches using the ancient copper alembics of the historic Combier Distillery in the Loire Valley, France. To start, Sweetdram macerate 14 botanicals, including caraway, cardamom, cubeb, lemon and bitter orange and citrus for 72 hours, then slowly distill them using Combier's antique stills. Following distillation, the spirit is then very lightly sweetened with golden raisin and a small amount of sugar (Escubac contains four times less sugar than the average liqueur), and tinted a light straw-yellow with strands of saffron. The recipe alone took 18 months to perfect in the team's Dalston workshop, and was clearly time well spent. Try an Escubac & Tonic (E&T): Fill a highball glass up with ice cubes. Pour in a 30ml measure of Escubac. Top off with tonic water to taste. Garnish with a wedge of lemon or a lemon twist. 34% Alc./Vol. Tasting note: Brilliant gold. Kind of like a quality dry vermouth on the nose; herbal, fresh and delicately bitter with hints of fennel developing. Follows through in a silky, medium weight profile with an interesting combination of anise, citrus and caraway. Subtle mint freshness on the finish. Reminiscent of dilute absinthe. Delicious on its own over ice. 34% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... 4.5 stars - diffordsguide.com![Francois Voyer Pineau Des Charentes Rouge (750ml)]()
Francois Voyer Pineau Des Charentes Rouge (750ml)Cognac, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 17.5%Voyer's extra-aged expression is rested in oak for around 5 years. Offering aromas of candied quince, blackberry, plums and succulent pears with supple red fruit flavours and hints of hazelnut, served slightly chilled, this classic French aperitif complements a wide range of dishes, especially desserts and cheeses but can also be incorporated into cocktails or thickening sauces. 17.5% Alc./Vol.
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Francois Voyer Pineau Des Charentes Blanc (750ml)Cognac, FRANCE$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 17.5%A specialty of Cognac, Pineau des Charentes is generally categorised as a fortified wine (aka 'mistelle' or 'vin de liqueur' in France). However, being a blend of unfermented or only lightly-fermented grape must and Cognac eau-de-vie it could be argued that the genre is more akin to a liqueur. The net effect is a disjointed blend of grape juice and spirit that needs at least a year in cask in order to integrate. Franois Voyer's expression is composed of two thirds grape juice and one third of young Cognac, aged in oak barrels more for than 18 months. These styles typically present aromas of fresh orchard fruits with hints of honey, figs, vanilla and flowers. A fabulous aperitif, Pineau des Charentes will also work with some desserts, for example, fresh fruit tarts and fruit salads, or try it with a goose liver paté. 17.5% Alc./Vol.
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Giori Ferro China (700ml)ITALYReduced from $39.99$26. 99Bottle$323.88 DozenABV: 16%A famous recipe of mixed herbs and liqueur, Giori Ferro China has the same appetite stimulating benefits as other reputed brands. 16% Alc./Vol. No tasting notes available.![4789446510_1.jpg]()
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Imperial Measures Single Batch Ruby Bitter Aperitif (700ml)South Australia, AUSTRALIA$72. 99Bottle$875.88 DozenABV: 25%Tasting note: [30ml sample] A take on their house Amaro, Imperial Measures employ twelve botanicals including ruby red grapefruit, gentian, rhubarb and ginseng. The stunning ruby colour follows with bitter citrus peel and gentian on the nose. It's slightly fuller and richer than bar standards like Campari, with the gentian checked by ripe grapefruit and mixed citrus notes, including hints of blood orange through the finish. Intended as an aperitif or digestif, but consider it in Negronis too. 25% Alc./Vol.![1024526_1.jpg]()
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Lillet Rose Aperitif (750ml)Podensac, Bordeaux, FRANCE$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenABV: 17%Closure: CorkLillet (pronounced lee-lay) is an aperitif wine, a type of drink traditionally enjoyed before a meal. It originated in 1887 in the Bordeaux region of France, by the Lillet brothers, Paul and Raymond, distillers and merchants of spirits, soda, and candies. It was one of the first tonic wines, and became increasingly popular around the turn of the 20th century when tonic drinks were touted as good for the health. The ban against absinthe in 1915 also contributed to the popularity of the drink. In the 1950s and 60s, the golden age of cocktails, Lillet became the centerpiece of a number of drinks served in the fashionable bars and restaurants of New York City, where it was sometimes served flambé. It was also popularly served with gin in England.
Lillet Rosé is the latest addition to the existing mix on offer which finds itself in-between the Blanc and Rouge with its fresh floral aroma and its dry fruity flavours. It has so far been awarded the winner of the 2011 Chairman’s Trophy for Apéritif with a mark of 94 out of 100 at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. Garnish with strawberries, oranges and all female related letters of apology.
Tasting note: Pretty pale salmon pink appearance. Enticing aroma includes notes of rose water, plum and ripe cherry / strawberry along side hints of ripe grapefruit. A clean, fresh delivery offers a light to medium bodied palate of plum and cherry flavours supported by soft, cleansing acidity. Cherry glace finish is delightfully fresh and deceptively long as hints of rose petal emerge late in the aftertaste. Know someone who enjoys fuller style Rose wines? Introduce them to this. 17% Alc./Vol.
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Lillet Rouge Aperitif (750ml)Podensac, Bordeaux, FRANCE$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenABV: 17%Closure: CorkLillet (pronounced lee-lay) is an aperitif wine; a type of drink traditionally enjoyed before a meal. It originated in 1887 in the Bordeaux region of France, by the Lillet brothers, Paul and Raymond, distillers and merchants of spirits, soda, and candies. It was one of the first tonic wines, and became increasingly popular around the turn of the 20th century when tonic drinks were touted as good for the health. The ban against absinthe in 1915 also contributed to the popularity of the drink. In the 1950s and 60s, the golden age of cocktails, Lillet became the centerpiece of a number of drinks served in the fashionable bars and restaurants of New York City, where it was sometimes served flambé. It was also popularly served with gin in England.
While Lillet was originally a bitter tonic drink, the quinine content has now been reduced. There are now two types made - Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rouge. The Rouge version, made with red wine, appeared on the market in 1962. There are a number of options when serving Lillet. Lillet Blanc can be used in a Martini with gin and vodka and a lemon peel garnish; this drink, called a Vesper, was invented by the character James Bond in Ian Fleming's 1953 novel Casino Royale. Both can be served plain over ice or as the main ingredient in a number of cocktails. Serve Chilled. 17% Alc./Vol.
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Lillet Blanc Aperitif (750ml)Podensac, Bordeaux, FRANCE$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenABV: 17%Closure: CorkLillet (pronounced lee-lay) is an aperitif wine; a type of drink traditionally enjoyed before a meal. It originated in 1887 in the Bordeaux region of France, a creation of the Lillet brothers, Paul and Raymond, distillers and merchants of spirits, soda, and candies. It was one of the first tonic wines, and became increasingly popular around the turn of the 20th century when tonic drinks were touted as good for the health. The ban against absinthe in 1915 also contributed to the popularity of the drink. In the 1950s and 60s, the golden age of cocktails, Lillet became the centerpiece of a number of drinks served in the fashionable bars and restaurants of New York City, where it was sometimes served flambé. It was also popularly served with gin in England.
While Lillet was originally a bitter tonic drink, the quinine content has now been reduced. There are now two types made - Lillet Blanc and Lillet Rouge. The Rouge version, made with red wine, appeared on the market in 1962. There are a number of options when serving Lillet. Lillet Blanc can be used in a Martini with gin and vodka and a lemon peel garnish; this drink, called a Vesper, was invented by the character James Bond in Ian Fleming's 1953 novel Casino Royale. Both can be served plain over ice or as the main ingredient in a number of cocktails.
After months of hard work we have secured good reliable stocks in time for summer and we are thrilled to have ended the Lillet drought in Australia. However, it's among the hottest items in town and it won't last forever. We advise you to stock up now to avoid disappointment. We are aware of this sounding like a cliche, but we can't think of the last time we made such a statement.
Tasting Notes: Brilliant pale straw colour with water like hue. Top notes of candied lime and orange blossom, above honey, ripe peach and apricot with subtle hints of strawberry and talc emerging. The palate delivers flavours of lime, marmalade, very ripe peaches and apricot above a layer of honey. Creamy mouthfeel. Back palate flavours of marmalade, peach and apricot persist through the crisp clean finish. Terrific length, depth and balance. Superb! Serve Chilled. 17% Alc./Vol.![1012151051_1.jpg]()
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Liquore delle Sirene Bitters (700ml)ITALY$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 23%A bitters inspired by tradition, employing herbs, flowers, fruit and roots carefully selected for their aromas and special characteristics, each extracted by way of long, separate infusions in alcohol before water and sugar complete the recipe. The final result is rested in small barrels before bottling. No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Tasting note: Glossy rust-red / autumn leaf gold. Aromas of ruby grapefruit, bitter herbs, gentian and earthy, root-like notes. Viscous with delicately bittersweet herbal-citrus peel flavours ending gently bitter and quinine-like through the finish. Lingers. 23% Alc.Vol.![Maidenii 7 Year Old Classic Vermouth (500ml)]()
Maidenii 7 Year Old Classic Vermouth (500ml)Victoria, AUSTRALIA$94. 99Bottle$1139.88 DozenABV: 19%Not exactly cheap, but how many vermouths are aged for seven years in a French oak? A completely unique take on the Maidenii's classic that sees rancio and almost flor-like sherry characters layered into what was already a wonderful aperitif. Arguably the perfect vermouth for drinking neat. Bottled unfiltered. 19% Alc./Vol.
![Maidenii La Tonique (Kina) Quinquina (750ml)]()
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Maidenii La Tonique (Kina) Quinquina (750ml)Victoria, AUSTRALIA$47. 99Bottle$575.88 DozenABV: 17.5%A logical extension to the outstanding Maidenii range comes in this Quinquina aperitif. Produced from Heathcote Viognier grapes as well as fragrant botanicals and citrus, rounded off with the bitter edge of cinchona bark. Pouring a pale straw colour, it offers lovely lifted notes of grapefruit, thyme, cool mint and delicate quinine. A fresh and breezy entry is followed by racy flavours of semi-ripe apricot, pink grapefruit and a delicately bitter, vibrant dried herb / quinine / mint finish that's remarkably long for the genre. Very appetising, this should mix brilliantly. 17.5% Alc./Vol.
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Maurin Quina Le Puy Aperitif (1000ml)Burgundy, FRANCE$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenABV: 16%Closure: StelvinThis aromatised white wine includes a maceration of wild cherries, cinchona bark (quinine), lemon and cherry juice in neutral spirit with measured amounts of cherry brandy. Created in 1884 by Mr. Auguste Maurin in Le Puy, an Italian artist later designed the smirking green devil as a feature on the label (he seems very satisfied to have procured a bottle!) Expect wild berry and lemon flavours finishing with a tart display of bitter, earthy, floral notes. Try it chilled, on ice, with soda or add to cocktails (e.g. substitute it for Campari in a Negroni). 16% Alc./Vol![Negro Ferro China (700ml)]()
Negro Ferro China (700ml)AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenABV: 18%A herb infused fortified wine aperitif. Best served before a meal. A famous source of iron and appetite stimulant. 18% Alc./Vol. No tasting notes available.
