Nonino Amaro Digestif Liqueur (700ml)

The Nonino family have devoted themselves to distillation since 1897, with each generation actively improving and innovating to change the perception of the country's best known spirit. In 1973, Nonino became the first producer to create a single varietal Grappa, using the rare and indigenous Picolit grape, setting a trend which other distillers followed. No surprise then that their Amaro is unique due to its (partial) base of grappa, alongside grain neutral distillate. Aged in barriques of Nevers, Limousin and old Sherry wood, the style is at first citrus-forward and Southern, with bitter orange peel then a flash of juicy dried apricots. It's creamy and soft, only mildly bitter, but also shows a little more pepper and cinnamon spice than most. Mint, gentian and bitter herbs at the finish align it with the Alpine sub-category, before cola and vanilla enter the fade. You could sum it up as an inter-regional expression, successfully combining the characteristics of both North and South Amari. Try it as an aperitif with minimal ice, or chilled from the fridge with an orange garnish. 35% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Nonino is a classic amari with a significant cult following — plus considerable usage in cocktails. Oddly, I never seem to drink it solo… until now. The nose is immediately spicy and smoky — think torched cinnamon sticks and cloves, smoldering incense, and smudged rosemary. Beneath the spice, the amaro moves into notes of raisins, figs, and very dark chocolate. The palate is even more exotic: sweet, sulfury molasses open up to bitter chocolate, anise, and cloves. It’s balanced but it again comes across as quite smoky, increasingly heavy with more clove and cinnamon as the finish builds. There’s lots of barrel char late in the game, with a finish that reprises dark chocolate, but slightly syrupy. Ultimately, Nonino is more innocuous than its reputation would suggest, which is either a good or a bad thing, depending on your point of view. It may indeed be best in cocktails. - drinkhacker.com

...Tawny and bright in the glass, this mellow, bittersweet beauty offers caramel and vanilla, braced by allspice and bitter orange. Although Nonino is best known for its grappas, this amaro, flavored with herbs from the mountains of Friuli, is worth seeking out. Consider it for dessert pairings or an edgy spin on a negroni. 96 points - winenethusiast.com