Montenegro Amaro Liqueur (23%)

Amaro Montenegro was first crafted in 1885 in Bologna, Italy by Stanislao Cobianchi, originally called Elisir Lungavita. In 1896 it was renamed in tribute to Princess Elena of Montenegro. The recipe uses a secret blend of 40 botanicals from around the globe, with only a portion publicly disclosed. Production involves boiling, maceration and distillation of botanicals to create extracts, then blending with sugar, water, alcohol and a micro-distillation of five botanicals called Premio. The ABV is 23%. It has a warm amber colour; the nose brings sweet citrus, gentle spice, herbal and floral tones, balsamic and mild root bitterness; the palate brings pleasant sweetness up front with orange, vanilla and honeyed glaze, then herbs, spices, subtle floral notes and a warming bitter finish; and the finish is moderately long and bittersweet, with citrus, gentle herbal bitterness and lingering warm sweetness and spice.