Disaronno Amaretto (75cl, 28%)

Disaronno Amaretto is Italy's best-known amaretto liqueur, bottled at 28% ABV in a distinctive square-shaped 750ml bottle. Produced by ILLVA Saronno in Lombardy, it begins with the infusion of apricot kernel oil into absolute alcohol, combined with burnt sugar and the pure essences of seventeen selected herbs and fruits. A proprietary vacuum-sealed distillation technique and specialised extraction and soaking methods are used. Despite its almond character, the recipe contains no actual almonds; the marzipan flavour derives from apricot kernel oil. The nose opens with bitter almond and marzipan, then almond butter, anise, brown butter, crème brûlée, candied red apple peel and honeyed sweetness with caramel. The entry is decadent and buttery, recalling a fresh almond croissant, with roasted almond, apricot, vanilla and marzipan at mid-palate. Citrus zest provides freshness and warm spice builds. The finish is warm and velvety, with candied almond, bitter almond and sweet spice trailing off gradually.