Averna Amaro Siciliano Digestif Liqueur (700ml)

A speciality of Sicily, Averna’s secret recipe combining herbs and roots was developed by monks over 200 years ago. The deep sienna brown coloured elixir appears slightly viscous in the glass and smells like 'Chinnoti" with an attractive sarsaparilla / quinine combination and hints of dried citrus peel. Viscous entry follows with moderate intensity, becoming semi-sweet at mid palate before finishing mildly bitter. The ABV has dropped since our first encounter, and while we prefer some of the higher strength Amaros for all round concentration and added bite, this value digestif remains a pleasant way to finish a meal, every time. 29% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Hailing from Sicily, Averna is sweeter than most of its compadres, striking a pleasant balance between bitter and sugary. The body is oily and thick, but the flavor is light considering the appearance in the glass. On the nose: Cinnamon and citrus. In the mouth, the same, more lemon on the finish. A touch of nutmeg and licorice. All told, Averna is an excellent intro to bitter liqueurs, a smoother and simpler way to please both your sweet tooth and your sour stomach at the same time. - drinkhacker.com

Inky soy-mahogany. Flowers, fresh herbs, licorice and mince meat. Rich texture. Lovely sensuous palate of wild, alpine fresh spice and succulent flavors. Very concentrated with a firm, yet silky presence on the palate and into the very deep, lingering finish. 91 points (Exceptional) - tastings.com

Other reviews… An initial aroma of bittersweet dark chocolate, orange peel, and herbs; air contact stimulates scents of flowers, jasmine, bark, forest, honey, and very light quinine. The palate entry is intensely sweet and floral; at midpalate the taste profile turns cocoa-like with notes of citrus rind, molasses, brown sugar, and grass. Concludes sweet, thick, and luscious. 90-95 points - wineenthusiast.com