Amaro Nonino Quintessentia (75cl, 35%)

Amaro Nonino Quintessentia is the flagship amaro of Nonino Distillatori in Percoto, Friuli, at 35% ABV in a 750ml bottle. It is an infusion of herbs, spices, fruit, berries and roots enriched with the family's ÙE grape distillate, which is aged at least twelve months in Nevers, Limousin and ex-Sherry barriques. The recipe traces back to Amaro Carnia from 1933, with Quintessentia created in 1992. The house serves it at room temperature as a digestif, or on the rocks with an orange slice as an aperitif. Nose: orange zest and bitter-orange marmalade with thyme, menthol and an exotic mango note. Palate: a sweet-and-bitter balance with pepper and liquorice. Finish: a cocoa aftertaste under the bitterness.