Martini Riserva Speciale Bitter (750ml)

A bitters based on M&R founder Luigi Rossi's 19th century recipe, with Master Herbalist, Ivano Tonutti, selecting three rare botanicals (Saffron, Angostura and Columba), to create richness and complexity through different dimensions of bitterness. The colour is derived from the cochineal beetle, as per the original 1872 recipe. It's also rested in the same Tino casks used for M&R Vermouth extracts, and shares the common botanical, Italian Artemisia. Given that the Negroni market in America has spiked in the last five years (currently dominated by Campari and Aperol), Martini recommended it for just that.

Tasting note: Translucent ruby red. Attractive blood orange peel and grapefruit opening whiffs also offer rooty, earthy, bitter scents suggesting juniper and quinine. Viscous, juicy, medium sweet delivery with the orange notes balanced by grapefruit, quinine and herbal bitterness. Finish is mildly warming with faint quinine and citrus peel lingering. Nicely rounded. Will add mouthfeel and body to cocktails. 28.5% Alc./Vol

Other reviews... 5 stars - diffordsguide.com