Ginja Douro (50cl, 12%)

Ginja Douro is a cherry liqueur in a 50cl bottle, made from sour cherries grown in the Douro region of Portugal at around 800 metres on the mountain plateaus that surround it. The cherries are picked by hand, cleaned and destoned, then macerated in tanks with added alcohol. Local spices and sugar syrup are added to an old recipe, and the liqueur rests for two years to develop fruit and floral character. The slight bitterness of the cherries balances the sweetness. It is sweet with a good bite and plenty of balance. It suits desserts and sweet dishes, or can be served as an aperitif.