Lucano Amaro (70cl, 28%)

Lucano is an Italian amaro from Basilicata, bottled at 28% vol. in a 70cl bottle. The recipe dates to 1894, when pastry chef Pasquale Vena began experimenting with herbal infusions, and the Vena family in Pisticci has looked after production since. More than thirty herbs and botanicals are macerated and pressed, then the liquid is aged for months in tanks. It can be drunk neat at room temperature as a digestif, or over ice with a twist of orange peel. The nose is aromatic, with sweet cola, dark chocolate, pine needles and wild lavender. The palate is rich and syrupy, with caramel sweetness against bitter roots and orange peel. The finish is long and warm, with baking spices and bitter gentian.