Bols Orange Curacao (75cl, 21%)

A Dutch orange liqueur from Amsterdam, made from dried peels of the Laraha bitter orange native to Curaçao. Lucas Bols traces its origins to 1575. The liqueur is produced by maceration and distillation of dried Laraha peels with a proprietary blend of herbs and spices; the base spirit is a molasses distillate, with an orange and lemon peel distillate and a tincture of bitter herbs contributing to its dark orange colour and layered flavour. The nose shows fresh orange zest, broader citrus notes, gentle sweetness and subtle herbal complexity. The palate is smooth and velvety, with ripe orange, fine citrus zest, controlled fruity sweetness and a dry, firm impression. The finish is moderately long, with lingering orange peel bitterness, refined smoothness and a gentle herbal backbone.