The Data

Category   Liqueur

Sub-Category   Sambuca

Origin   Vicenza

Retail Price   $24.99

ABV   38%

Score   4.5 Stars/Exceptional! +

In the Glass

Brilliant, crystal clear with clear signs of viscosity.

The aromatics are very clean and pure with scents of anise and fennel with supporting notes of pepper and floral notes with hints of orange peel and cinnamon.

The palate echoes the nose delivering a silky core that prominently features star anise with flanking notes of pepper and brown baking spices.

Medium to full-bodied with a velvet-like core that is also refreshing with bright pepper notes and a dose of acidity.

Cool Factor

Sambuca, and classic brands like Antica, is rightfully becoming hot again as it is a great after dinner choice.

Value Grade

Whenever a classic product can be obtained for around $25 you have to consider it a top value. This outstanding Sambuca is typically consumed one ounce at a time so a bottle will last you weeks if not months.

Analysis

The great Antica brand and method was founded in 1868 at the Rossi D’Asiago distillery. This Sambuca earned prestigious awards including the Gran Medaglia D’Oro and the Grand Prix in Paris in 1904. A century after its creation the brand and process was acquired by Francesco Dal Toso, an accomplished distiller. Star anise is the prominent flavor and aromatic supported by wormwood, cinnamon, fennel, white pepper, iris, bitter orange, sweet orange, coriander, and Turkish rose.

How to Enjoy

In our view, this fine liqueur is best sipped neat, after dinner. It's also great alongside coffee or pour it in your demitasse cup after finishing your espresso. If you like yours on ice do be aware that the crystal clear liquid will become milky while the taste will remain the same.