Lucano Sambuca
Brilliant, crystal clear with clear signs of viscosity. The aromatics are profound with pure scents of star anise and fennel seed supported by notes of pepper, dried flowers, and citrus accents. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a viscous anise explosion with flanking notes of candied orange peel and black licorice. Full-bodied and wonderfully intense while maintaining some vibrancy and balance despite the sweet core. $24.99 – 4 Stars
Francescano Natura Assisi White Chocolate Cream Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear. The nose is rather subtle, like white chocolate, with scents of vanilla cream with accents of roasted cocoa nibs. The palate perfectly mirrors the nose delivering a rich vanilla and chocolate cream that starts sweet and builds in cocoa intensity that becomes subtly drier. Medium-bodied with incredible viscosity coating every corner of your mouth. $21.99 – 4.5 Stars
Varnelli L'Anice Secco Speciale Liqueur
Brilliant, crystal clear — until water or ice is added then it becomes milky in appearance. The nose is wonderfully expressive offering bright scents of anise supported by crisp notes of fresh fennel and wild flowers with earthy cumin and hints of dill seed. The palate echoes the nose delivering intense anise flavors with a dry mineral edge and complex spice and herbal accents that persist on the long finish. Full-bodied with perfectly balanced flavors and just enough sweetness to carry the flavors forward. An absolute classic. $44.99 – 5 Stars
Bresca Dorada Mirto di Sardegna Liqueur
Deep mocha color with obvious viscosity. The nose is filled with the scents of ripe myrtle berries (mirto) with its wild mint accents, pine, herbal notes redolent of amaro with rosemary, honey, and hints of black licorice. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a beautifully complex berry-driven core with layers of evergreen brush, juniper, honey, and amaro. Full-bodied with perfect balance and incredibly long and lingering flavors. $47 – 5 Stars
Grinta Amaro di Erbe
Brilliant, deep emerald green color. The aromatics are quite assertive, offering lovely scents of fresh peppermint, eucalyptus, and chamomile, with supporting notes of rhubarb, bitter root, and wild flowers. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering silky, semisweet herbal core redolent of green Chartreuse meeting a fragrant Gin in all its glory. Medium to full-bodied with incredible complexity, length, and balance. $39 – 4 Stars
Rossi d'Angera Spitz Genziana Liqueur
Brilliant, deep golden amber color. The nose is wonderfully floral with sweet herbs, earth, complex citrus accents ranging from orange peel, grapefruit, lemon, and lime. The palate echoes the nose delivering a more bitter than sweet herbal core with waves of citrus and earthy root notes that build on the long finish. Medium-bodied with amazingly complex aromatics and flavors punctuated but a generous dose of natural acidity making it an ideal aperitif. Beautifully expressive while being drier than its French counterparts. $29.99 – 4.5 Stars
Stambecco Maraschino Cherry Amaro
Brilliant copper/orange color. The nose is greeted with a medicinal cherry scent accented by notes of brown sugar, orange peel, and almonds. The palate echoes the nose delivering a sweet cherry-driven core with flanking notes of burnt orange, marzipan, dried herbs, and hints of vanilla. Medium-bodied with sweet fruits throughout — it's more sweet than bitter and the medicinal flavor lingers. This version of an Italian Amaro seems to be more about the package than the liquid. $35 – 3 Stars
Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Rubino Sweet Vermouth
Brilliant ruby color. The aromatics are complex and alluring offering scents of ripe red fruits supported by notes of rhubarb, dried herbs and bark, and chamomile tea. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bright, fruity core with waves of botanicals that extend the palate and become tart and slightly bitter on the finish. Medium-bodied and ideally balanced with complex fruit and botanicals and a bright dose of acidity that keeps it refreshing. This "Riserva" level M&R Sweet Vermouth is a very different animal than their classic Sweet Vermouth that we all know being a big step up in complexity. It's made with Nebbiolo wines from the Langhe (Piedmont) DOC. $14.99 – 4 Stars
Hotel Starlino Rosso Vermouth
Brilliant, bright ruby red with hints of amber. The aromatics are complex and alluring offering scents of ripe red fruits and red wine supported by notes of rhubarb, orange peel, ginger, and sandalwood with hints of vanilla. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tart, dried red fruit core with waves of bitter orange, dried herbs, cloves, and Marsala. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with rich fruits and tart citrus notes enhanced by a complex blend of aromatics. $25 – 4.5 Stars
Hotel Starlino Rosé Aperitivo
Brilliant, pink/salmon color. The nose is first greeted with the scent of fresh grapefruit with lemon and orange that evolves to sweet and tart red berries and hints of herbs. The palate confirms the nose with sweet, red berries in the lead supported by fresh herbs and citrus zest that lingers on the semi-tart finish. Medium-bodied with great balance and vibrancy delivering generous vinous fruit and citrus. $25 – 4.5 Stars
